Bill S-10: Penalties for Organized Drug Crimes Act

May 17, 2010

Ottawa Journal (May 17 – May 21, 2010)
David Tilson, M.P. (Dufferin-Caledon)


Our Government is following through on its commitment to get tough on crime. We have taken steps to address the problems associated with white collar crime and sentencing and we are now tackling the issue of organized crime and drug cartels.

The Government in the Senate recently introduced bill S-10, the Penalties for Organized Drug Crimes Act, which would impose mandatory jail sentences on criminals convicted of serious drug offences and add special penalties to be imposed when offences are carried out for organized crime purposes or specifically target youth.
This bill aims to disrupt criminal enterprises by targeting the suppliers of illegal drugs. Offences considered to be serious under this proposed legislation include: production of illegal substances, trafficking, importing, and exporting.

This bill would introduce mandatory jail sentences for criminals convicted of serious drug crimes involving the most potent drugs, listed under Schedule I of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, such as heroin, cocaine, and methamphetamine. This bill would also see the maximum penalty for production of drugs listed under Schedule II of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act, such as marijuana, increase from 7 to 14 years.

Mandatory minimum sentences will be imposed if aggravated factors are at play, including commission of a serious drug offence for the benefit of organized crime, involving a youth (e.g. selling to a youth), and involving violence or the threat of violence.

The proposed amendments to the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act speak to the problem of organized drug crime and will disrupt the chain of drug crimes by targeting the suppliers of illegal drugs.