Return to Transcripts main page

Live From...

Canada To Ban Bulk Exports of Drugs to U.S.; Wimbledon Heats Up

Aired June 29, 2005 - 14:29   ET

THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED.

KYRA PHILLIPS, CNN ANCHOR: Well, the National Academy of Sciences publishes a study that identifies vulnerabilities in the nation's milk supply. The government called the article a roadmap for terrorists and asked that it not be published. Well, the president of the academy refused to shelf it, saying everything in the article can be found elsewhere and that the study can be used as a teaching tool to better secure the milk supply.
Well, are high gas prices keeping -- or I guess, putting a crimp in your summer plans? How about a free tank of gas a bit of an incentive to hit the road? Well, that sounds good.

Susan Lisovicz, live from the New York Stock Exchange. Hi, Susan.

SUSAN LISOVICZ, CNN CORRESPONDENT: Hi, Kyra, well some resort towns are betting that a free tank of gas will help lure more summer travelers. California's Big Bear, for instance, is giving away a $25 gas vouchers to tourists. Aspen, Colorado, is giving $50 in vouchers. In Bethel, Maine, travelers getting $20 of gas for staying with participating innkeepers. The town has dubbed its promotion "Tanks for the Memories"

In spite of high gas prices, Triple A forecasts the July Fourth weekend will be the most highly traveled holiday weekend, with about 40 million people traveling more than 50 miles away from home.

(STOCK MARKET REPORT)

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

This just into CNN, the jury has recommended death on all murder counts. We're talking about this man, the man accused of killing nine of his own family members in Fresno, California. Marcus Wesson, 57, you'll remember, was arrested March 12th after police found the bodies stacked in a bedroom in his home.

What had happened back on March 12th, police were called to Wesson's home on reports of domestic disturbance. Upon their arrival, they evacuated several people from that home. But when they were told that Wesson might be armed and is not going to give up, officers left the house, waited for the SWAT team and negotiators to arrive. About an hour after that, Wesson emerged from the home, covered in blood. And inside, police found nine dead bodies. Of course, we told you, a number of them his children, even children fathered by his own daughters. Now, what we are being told, Marcus Wesson, facing death now on all murder counts. The jury has recommended that. The formal sentencing will be July 27th. We will keep you updated.

And now, we're moving on to Americans who count on Canada to get prescription drugs. Well, they could be in some trouble now. Canada's health minister says that the country intends to ban bulk exports of drugs when supplies at home are low.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UJJAL DOSANJH, CANADIAN HEALTH MINISTER: Canada cannot be the drugstore for the United States of America. 280 million people can't expect us to supply drugs to them on a controlled basis or controlled prices within our pricing regime.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

Reporter Richard Madan from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation joins me now from Winnipeg with more details. There's going to be a lot of senior citizens in the U.S. disappointed about this, Richard.

RICHARD MADAN, WINNIPEG, MANITOBA: Well, absolutely, Kyra. And we've seen, at least here in Manitoba, several seniors taking bus trips across the Canadian border into Manitoba to buy cheap prescription drugs where, of course, drugs are price-controlled and they're far cheaper on the pocketbook for seniors.

But today's announcement by Canada's health minister Ujjal Dosanjh suggests, essentially, that he is looking at ways to curb this from happening. The concern among the federal government, anyways, is that by having more Americans buying prescription drugs from Canada, that would be drug shortage here and, of course, that would be bad news for Canadians who are looking for prescription drugs, as well.

PHILLIPS: What type of political pressure do you think was involved in this decision, Richard? I mean, obviously, this was good for the pharmaceutical companies, right?

MADAN: Right. That's the argument that many people who work and own Internet pharmacies in Canada. Here in Manitoba, there's 45 of them. Now, keep in mind, Manitoba's population is about one million people. That's roughly the same size as Providence, Rhode Island. So it is a big industry here. The concern for Internet pharmacists in Canada is that there's a ton of political pressure here. In Canada we have what's called a minority government, so nobody wants to ruffle too many feathers here.

The health minister, according to the Internet pharmacy folks, is wrapping himself around the Canadian flag to make himself look patriotic, to make himself look like he's protecting the drug supply for Canadians. And even the health minister himself admitted that the possibility of a drug shortage is anecdotal. There's no evidence there would be. And the Internet pharmacies are saying -- are using this as ammunition in hopes that they stay alive. There are two elements that came out of this announcement today. We talked about the bulk ban. Now a bulk ban is, essentially, an entire palette full of cheap prescription drugs from Canada, ready to be shipped off to pharmacies in the United States. But a second element that came out today was what's called changes to a doctor/patient relationship, which essentially could mean -- the details are vague at this point -- but it could mean, of course, that if you're an American citizen and you want to get cheap prescription drugs from Canada, it could be illegal for a Canadian pharmacist to fill that prescription, which essentially means those Americans who want to come up here and buy cheap prescription drugs, their prescriptions in their hands would be invalid at a Canadian pharmacy.

PHILLIPS: CBC reporter Richard Madan, thank you so much...

MADAN: Pleasure.

PHILLIPS: ... for bringing us the latest. Appreciate it.

Another story actually developing -- a lot of stories developing, in addition to this story concerning drugs across the border. Now we're getting word that a tanker fire near Bakersfield, California, is creating quite a stir in the area. These pictures just into CNN. We are told that this tanker that overturned was carrying jet fuel.

Joining us on the phone is Officer Johnny Fisher with the California Highway Patrol. Officer Fisher, what can you tell us about the situation? Where exactly is it and has this caused a back-up in the area?

OFC. JOHNNY FISHER, CALIFORNIA HIGHWAY PATROL: Yes, good afternoon. It has -- it's about a three and a half mile backup right now, southbound. It's unknown northbound. That's going to be Los Angeles County area and we don't have that right now. It looks like it's going to be northbound I-5, right at Grapevine Road. It's a pretty serious situation. So, everything is pretty much shut down right now, which causes a huge problem for us.

PHILLIPS: Do you know who was driving that tanker, if indeed that driver is OK, or if anybody else was with him or her?

FISHER: At this time, we have no information on the driver or whether or not he had anybody in the truck with him.

PHILLIPS: Anybody else on the highway there that has reported injuries?

FISHER: Nothing. That the only thing that we have is that, you know, obviously, an ambulance responding to this. So --

PHILLIPS: Ongoing fire, backup on, you said it was Highway 5, is that right?

FISHER: Yes, ma'am.

PHILLIPS: OK. And do you know how this happened? How it overturned?

FISHER: At this time, all we have -- for unknown reasons right now. I mean, they don't give us a whole lot of information at this time. But as soon as a press release comes out and things start getting pieced together a lot better.

PHILLIPS: All right. Officer Johnny Fisher there with the CHP. Thank you very much for the information that you had.

We'll continue to follow this overturned tanker in Bakersfield California, a tanker carrying yet fuel. We'll let you know, for those of you watching that might be heading down that area, of course, Highway 5 in the Grapevine area is shut down right now while firefighters work that blaze.

Firefighters also out west are hoping for a break in the dry weather that's fueling close to a dozen wild fires, one of the largest fires is in Arizona's Tonto National Forest, just north of Phoenix. That blaze has scorched more than 152,000 acres since last week. It's only 20 percent contained right now.

(WEATHER REPORT)

PHILLIPS: Well, it's the final stretch at Wimbledon. They semifinals are set on both the men's and women's side. Up next, we'll talk to half of the famous tennis-playing brothers, Murphy Jensen. We'll see if he's wearing a pink shirt and white shorts with a tie -- great tennis tournament dressing -- Sibila?

SIBILA VARGAS, ENTERTAINMENT CORRESPONDENT: That's right.

You'll never guess who showed up at last night's BET Awards.

Plus: A Backstreet Boy is headed for the front door of rehab.

All that and more when LIVE FROM returns.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Playing for a place in the finals: Only a handful of players still have a shot at stepping on Centre Court at Wimbledon this weekend.

Joining us, with all the England club, one who knows it well, tennis pro and Atlanta's own Murphy Jensen.

Great to see you, Murphy.

MURPHY JENSEN, PROFESSIONAL TENNIS PLAYER: Great to be back. It's Wimbledon and it's sunny, it's beautiful.

PHILLIPS: Yes, it is gorgeous weather. I wish I could with there, too.

Hey, let's talk about the hot -- basically, the hot tickets. We've got to talk Sharapova, we've got to talk Williams. Everyone is mentioning these two and how they're playing with a vengeance.

JENSEN: We'll there's Venus Williams, who's going be taking over where Serena left off last year and hopefully she will take the win. I know Serena is back at home telling Venus how to play.

And then on the big ticket is Sharapova. She wants to repeat very, very bad. And it going to be tough because you've got Lindsay Davenport who is number one in the world. It's going to be incredible. I mean, it's fireworks out here. The fans are going nuts, the cues are longer than ever and I'm getting sunburned, which is unbelievable.

PHILLIPS: Maybe it's the reflection off that gold strip on Sharapova's shoes.

But back to another story -- back to Venus, for a minute, she just buried Mary Pierce. I mean, she's coming back strong.

JENSEN: That was a huge win for her, especially beating her the way she did, 6 - Love, didn't drop any loose points and her unforced errors were really, really low.

I mean, really, Venus is back. You know, I want your Venus, I want your fire; Venus Williams is back at the top of her game and every one -- it's a big wake-up around the locker room, talking to different agents and players and deals are starting to be made for Venus Williams.

PHILLIPS: Well, have you had a chance to chit-chat with any of these ladies? Any personal stories? Any inside scoop you want to tell us?

JENSEN: Well, you know, I get to hang out with Sharapova around the practice courts. When you're in the -- I'm playing on the old guy's section this week.

PHILLIPS: The dinosaur division?

JENSEN: You know, I still call my dad -- the dinosaur division?

Yes. I called -- my dad back in Michigan is still coaching me via satellite. So -- no, seriously, Sharapova is come into her own. Talking to her this year, as opposed to last year, I mean, she expects to be in the second week, she expects to win. And if things go her way, she's going to be the next number one player in the world. And right now, she's the highest paid female athlete on the planet.

PHILLIPS: But Lindsay Davenport, she's got that baseline power. Do you think she can trump Mauresmo?

JENSEN: You know, Mauresmo is 3-9 against Lindsay. Lindsay's got her number. I love all four of these players. And Lindsay, I'm going to give -- my nod goes to Lindsay, because she is the number one player and she is striking the ball so clean.

And the match of the tournament was her against Kim Clijsters. It was just a battle, a three-set. I mean, Kim Clijsters is a three- time Grand Slam finalist, I think maybe -- at least two and you know, they squared off in the quarter finals, but Lindsay is really playing well.

PHILLIPS: All right. Let's talk men. Obviously, we addressed you and your brother, two, of course, the hottest tennis players at Wimbledon ranking in on the dinosaur division.

JENSEN: We're the hottest...

PHILLIPS: But -- yes?

JENSEN: We're the hottest players with out hair.

PHILLIPS: Exactly. Right. Nothing on Telly Savalas. Let's talk about this Aussie grinder boy. He wants a shot at Roger Federer, doesn't he?

JENSEN: You know, Andy Roddick has lost to Federer and Federer has had everybody's number. He's got like a 30 match win streak out here. And the way I see Roger today, he's the greatest player of all time. I talked to Porgue (ph) and Eli Nastage (ph)'s hanging out. Right behind us, there's a big legends dinner, and Stan Smith is there. And to hear the old timers talk about a guy who may never lose again here at Wimbledon unless he just retires -- you know, Roddick's got his work cut out for him, but Andy's playing well.

Beating Grosjean, Sebastien Grosjean in a tough four-setter, you know, it's going to be tough. Today's great match was him versus Federer versus Fernando Gonzalez. And Gonzalez hadn't dropped a set all two weeks, yet Federer still goes out and, you knock, kicks him for three straight sets. I don't know about you, but you know, it's good money to bet on Roger Federer.

PHILLIPS: All right. We'll be watching it all. And do me a big favor, Murphy, do me a big favor. Yes?

JENSEN: Yes.

PHILLIPS: Bring me back a signed picture...

JENSEN: Yes, I think I...

PHILLIPS: ... from Sharapova.

JENSEN: From who?

PHILLIPS: From Sharapova. I've got a writer, Dave Johnson (ph), madly in love with her.

JENSEN: OK, you got it. How about a pink Wimbledon towel?

PHILLIPS: That will work. I'm in.

JENSEN: You got it. You got it. Hello, Atlanta. PHILLIPS: I'll have the best writing ever. Although he gives me great writing. All right, Murphy Jensen. We'll be watching you and all the other players. Now we're taking entertainment after the break. Surprise, it's another Tom Cruise sighting. Sibila Vargas with and much more, coming up next.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

PHILLIPS: Well, some of the biggest names of entertainment rocked the stage at the B.E.T. Awards last night in Los Angeles. And what would any awards show be without a few surprises, right? Our entertainment reporter Sibila Vargas joins us live from L.A. with the highlights -- Sibila.

VARGAS: That's right, Kyra.

Will, Jada, Jamie, (INAUDIBLE), and the very elusive Tom. They were all at the 2005 BET Awards. But first things kicked off with a surprise reunion by the Fugees.

(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP)

UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Ready or not, here I come, you can't hide.

(END VIDEO CLIP)

VARGAS: Ready or not. The show was hosted by Will Smith and Jada Pinkett-Smith, who introduced performances by Destiny's Child, Missy Elliot, The Game and more. Among those honored, Destiny's Child won for best group, Kanye West for best video and male hip-hop artist and Alicia Keys for best female R & B artist.

And no stranger to a press opportunity, that's right, Mr. Tom Cruise was also on hand to honor Jamie Foxx with the best award for best actor. Even Tito Jackson made an appearance to thank everyone for supporting his brother throughout the recent trial. The fifth annual BET Awards took place at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood.

Well, from one stage to another, Will Smith will soon be one of the many headliners rockin' out for African debt relief at the worldwide series of Live 8 concerts. But if you haven't got a ticket, don't worry about it. ABC is bringing the action right into your living room. The two-hour special, set to air July 2nd, will feature U2, Paul McCartney, Coldplay and a whole lot more.

Well, one music man who is dancing to the beat of a very different drum is Backstreet Boy Nic Carter. A judge has ordered the singer into rehab after he pleaded guilty to drunk driving back in March. Now, Carter will undergo a three-month alcohol treatment program and was ordered to pay $1,200 in fines. Now, no word yet on how this might affect the Boy's plan for the summer tour, scheduled to begin July 22nd -- Kyra, back to you.

PHILLIPS: All right. Sibila Vargas, thank you so much.

Well, was it a generous gift or a very expensive misunderstanding? Did Russian president Vladimir Putin pocket a valuable piece of jewelry? Well, the incident has sparked international interest. And we'll tell you about it on LIVE FROM.

(COMMERCIAL BREAK)

TO ORDER A VIDEO OF THIS TRANSCRIPT, PLEASE CALL 800-CNN-NEWS OR USE OUR SECURE ONLINE ORDER FORM LOCATED AT www.fdch.com