psmith

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Stories by psmith

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, January 30, 2007, 02:05am, (Issue #471)

This week, we have a prison guard busted for smuggling drugs OUT of a jail, along with more typical drug-smuggling guard cases, a teenage military policeman in trouble, a retirement age former cop busted, and another Nashville police officer found guilty of drug corruption charges.

My Letter to a Crime-Beat Reporter

by psmith, January 26, 2007, 04:05pm

I've been brooding about an article in the Gary (Indiana) Post-Tribune about a drug raid where a police SWAT team badly

This Judge Is An Idiot

by psmith, January 26, 2007, 03:26pm

At the end of a Michigan murder case in which the victim was a marijuana dealer gunned down during a home invasion robbery, the judge railed against the "urban myth" that marijuana is harmless.

Canada: Vancouver Mayor Calls for Large-Scale Methamphetamine, Cocaine Maintenance Trials

by psmith, January 25, 2007, 10:15pm, (Issue #470)

Vancouver Mayor Sam Sullivan has called for stimulant maintenance trials for more than 700 hard-core methamphetamine and cocaine users as part of a broad plan to improve the quality of life in the city before the 2010 Winter Olympics.

HEA: UC Berkeley Student Senate Approves Bill to Provide Scholarships for Students Denied Aid Because of Drug Convictions

by psmith, January 25, 2007, 09:39pm, (Issue #470)

The UC Berkeley student senate Wednesday night passed a measure that will provide $400 scholarships for students denied federal aid under the Higher Education Act's drug provision because they were convicted on drug charges.

Law Enforcement: SWAT Team Flash-Burn Grenade Assault Injures Drug Suspect

by psmith, January 25, 2007, 09:04pm, (Issue #470)

More SWAT team madness -- this time, Indiana cops doing a small-time drug raid manage to inflict serious burns on their man when they fired a flash-bang grenade into his home -- business as usual, according to their leader.

Feature: In Mexico, Now It's Calderon's Drug War

by psmith, January 25, 2007, 08:40pm, (Issue #470)

Mexico's new president, Felipe Calderon, has unleashed a vigorous attack on that country's powerful and violent drug cartels. Washington is happy, but Mexico analysts wonder if it's just another bit of poltical theater.

Feature: Drug Policy Reform Group to Partner with State of New Mexico in Federally-Funded Meth Prevention Education Program

by psmith, January 25, 2007, 06:53pm, (Issue #470)

In a first for a drug policy reform organization, the Drug Policy Alliance's New Mexico office has been selected to administer a $500,000 federal grant to develop comprehensive methamphetamine education and prevention strategies aimed at youth in the state.

Europe: Moscow Mayor Calls for Harsh Drug Laws Including Death Penalty

by psmith, January 24, 2007, 10:52pm, (Issue #470)

Moscow's mayor called for Russia to adopt harsh, Singapore-style drug policies in a speech to Russian narcs this week.

Europe: British Cannabis Confusion Continues as Policing Policies Evolve

by psmith, January 24, 2007, 10:48pm, (Issue #470)

Amidst confusion and uncertainty among police, politicians, and citizens alike, British police announced new arrest policies for marijuana possession this week. But a study just released says police are a big part of the problem.

Latin America: Mexican Narco-Saint On the Move

by psmith, January 24, 2007, 10:41pm, (Issue #470)

A Mexican folk saint who supposedly protects outlaws and drug traffickers as well as the poor and defenseless has a new shrine in Mexico City.

Medical Marijuana: Vermont Bill to Expand Therapeutic Use of Cannabis Advances

by psmith, January 24, 2007, 10:37pm, (Issue #470)

A compromise version of a bill that would expand Vermont's two-year-old medical marijuana law has passed its first legislative hurdle.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, January 24, 2007, 10:22pm, (Issue #470)

Prison and jail guards gone bad! Evidence gone missing! Narcs gone to prison! Busy, busy, busy.

Is the Bush Administration Getting Nervous About Afghan Opium Licensing Schemes?

by psmith, January 24, 2007, 03:50pm

When the European drug policy and defense think-tank the Senlis Council in late 2005 unveiled its proposal to deal with illicit Afghan opium

Tyrone Brown is one step from freedom, and you can help today!

by psmith, January 22, 2007, 01:18pm

Last month, the Chronicle featured the story of Tyrone Brown,

Mayor proposes 'revolutionary' plan for addicts; Sullivan wants city exempted from federal narcotics laws

from Vancouver Sun, January 22, 2007

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Colombia "good model" for Afghan drug war, US says

from Reuters, January 20, 2007

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Medical Marijuana: Washington State Group Raided

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 09:37pm, (Issue #469)

Local drug enforcement agents raided the offices of CannaCare, an Everett, Washington, medical marijuana support and advocacy group this week, accusing of it providing marijuana to patients.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 08:53pm, (Issue #469)

It's been relatively quiet on the corrupt cop front this week, but we've still got a Newark police officer who made a bad choice of boyfriends, and the requisite pair of crooked jail guards.

Feature: DEA Makes Major Move Against Los Angeles Medical Marijuana Dispensaries

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 08:45pm, (Issue #469)

The DEA was at it again Wednesday, raiding 11 medical marijuana dispensaries in Los Angeles County, including five in West Hollywood. City council members there had only the night before introduced an ordinance to permanently regulate the dispensaries, and they aren't happy.

Feature: New Study Rips Canadian "Tough on Drugs" Policy, Funding

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 04:57pm, (Issue #469)

Even as Canada's Conservative government works on a tough, law enforcement-heavy new national drug strategy, a study released Monday says such approaches have failed.

Treatment Not Jail: California Governor Proposes Cutting Proposition 36 Drug Treatment Funds

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 12:21am, (Issue #469)

In his new state budget, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has under-funded for the popular and successful treatment-not-jail program Proposition 36. He's in for a fight.

Law Enforcement: Florida County Will Pay for Manhandling Men in Errant Drug Bust Caught on Videotape

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 12:17am, (Issue #469)

A video camera captured the brutality of a pair of wrongful arrests in a case of mistaken identity in Pinellas County, Florida. Now the county gets to pay up.

Europe: Scottish Labor Politician Fights for Harm Reduction as Party Turns Hard-Line on Drugs

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 12:13am, (Issue #469)

The Scottish drug debate heated up this week as a Labor Party MSP attacked her party for heading in the wrong direction, and more than 250 senior police, health officials, academics, and others interested in drug policy pondered the future.

Medical Marijuana: Bills Introduced in Michigan, South Carolina, Massachusetts, Vermont and Soon in New Mexico

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 12:08am, (Issue #469)

Medical marijuana is currently legal in 10 states, but that number could nearly double with bills already introduced in a handful of states this year.

Marijuana: Decriminalization Bills Filed in Massachusetts, New Hampshire

by psmith, January 18, 2007, 12:04am, (Issue #469)

No marijuana decriminalization bill has passed since the 1970s, but legislators in Massachusetts and New Hampshire are ready to try this year.

Finally, Someone is Getting Serious About Marijuana

by psmith, January 16, 2007, 03:05pm

Why screw around arresting pot smokers when you can get to the root of the problem by simply eliminating marijuana?

US Weapons Fueling Mexican Drug Violence

from Arizona Republic, January 16, 2007

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Ending an Opium War; Afghan Poppies and Recovery Can Both Bloom

from Washington Post, January 16, 2007

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Ecuador's divided loyalties; Both fighter and front in the drug war, it chafes at U.S. presence on its soil.

from Los Angeles Times, January 15, 2007

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The West Should Buy Afghanistan's Opium Crop

from The Sunday Herald (UK), January 14, 2007

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Law Enforcement: Faced With Rising Murder Rates, Newark and New Orleans Turn to Repressive Drug War Strategies

by psmith, January 11, 2007, 09:58pm, (Issue #468)

Faced with rising crime and murder rates, city officials in Newark and New Orleans are blaming drugs and using more of the same old same old to try to crack down.

Feature: More Cops Died Directing Traffic Than Waging the Drug War Last Year

by psmith, January 11, 2007, 08:54pm, (Issue #468)

Police portray themselves as up against dangerous criminals as they fight the war on drugs, but you might be surprised...

Law Enforcement: DEA Lax on Handling Seized Cash, Audit Finds

by psmith, January 11, 2007, 04:03pm, (Issue #468)

DEA agents seize hundreds of millions of dollars a year in drug busts, but a Justice Department audit finds the agency is pretty lax in its handling of all that cash.

Europe: European Union Funds Dialogue With Civil Society on Drug Policies

by psmith, January 11, 2007, 03:57pm, (Issue #468)

The European Parliament has budgeted $1.3 million to promote a dialog with civil society over its continent-wide drug policy review set for next year.

Report: Lies Involved in No-Knock Warrant [Kathryn Johnston killing]

from Atlanta Journal-Constitution, January 11, 2007

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Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, January 11, 2007, 12:13am, (Issue #468)

Hiding marijuana inside cannoli, taking cocaine from a murder scene, and peddling cocaine are all on the radar this week. So is an investigation into drug smuggling at a US Air Force base in England.

Latin America: Mexico Considering Creation of "Drug Czar" Post

by psmith, January 11, 2007, 12:10am, (Issue #468)

Early in his presidential term, Mexican leader Felipe Calderon has already called out the army to fight drug traffickers. Now, his government is pondering the creation of a "drug czar" to coordinate the fight.

Law Enforcement: Woman Arrested Over Flour-Filled Condom Wins $180,000 in Suit Settlement

by psmith, January 10, 2007, 09:53pm, (Issue #468)

Bryn Mawr coeds apparently liked to squeeze condoms filled with flour to fend off stress over final exams, but when one student tried to take one home for the holidays, she ended in jail for three weeks charged as a drug trafficker. Now the city of Philadelphia gets to pay for its mistake.

Medical Marijuana: Colorado Case Will Test State's Law

by psmith, January 10, 2007, 09:46pm, (Issue #468)

The arrest of a pair of registered Colorado medical marijuana patients last fall is setting off a legal battle that will help clarify the state's medical marijuana law. But if they lose, they face up to six years in prison.

Law Enforcement: Small-Time Drug Possessors No Longer Charged as Felons in Wichita -- Cops Grumble

by psmith, January 10, 2007, 09:39pm, (Issue #468)

Police in Wichita are no longer charging small-time hard drug possession as a felony -- less than a quarter-gram of meth or coke, and all you get is a misdemeanor paraphernalia charge, and you don't even go to jail!

South America trip back on again, and maybe a visit to the meth conference, too.

by psmith, January 10, 2007, 02:08pm

As readers of this blog know, I had to postpone my trip to Peru and Bolivia to report on coca doings because the Bolivian government announced on New Year's Day that US citizens would need visas to en

Judges Look to New Congress for Changes in Mandatory Sentencing Laws

from New York Times, January 09, 2007

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DEA selective in medical marijuana arrests; Raids on two high-profile dispensaries elicit criticism that agency is only targeting sellers who live affluent lifestyles

from Los Angeles Times, January 09, 2007

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Owners of Medical Marijuana Dispensary Arrested

from KESQ News Channel 3, January 09, 2007

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Mexican Drug Cartels Move into Peru; Worry Spreads As Their Presence Increases Coca Production, Violence

from Dallas Morning News, January 08, 2007

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The message in Calderon's war on drugs; some view his use of military as a way to quickly gain support, show security a priority

from Houston Chronicle, January 07, 2007

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Tijuana Police Force Ordered to Turn In Guns

from San Diego Union-Tribune, January 05, 2007

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Drug War Chronicle's South America trip postponed

by psmith, January 05, 2007, 04:37pm

I decided today to postpone my long-awaited trip to Bolivia and Peru because of uncertainty surrounding the situation with Bolivian visa requirements.

Feature: Afghan Opium Dilemma Sparks New Calls for Alternative Development, "Normalizing" the Poppy Crop

by psmith, January 04, 2007, 11:20pm, (Issue #467)

While the US using tried-and-failed eradication schemes on the Afghan opium trade, others including the UN and World Bank are calling for smarter alternative development. Others are going even further.

Hemp: DEA Has Spent $175 Million Eradicating "Ditch Weed" Plants That Don't Get You High

by psmith, January 04, 2007, 06:27pm, (Issue #467)

The DEA has spent $175 million in the past two decades to eradicate "ditch weed" plants that don't get anybody high. Your tax dollars at work.

Medical Marijuana: California's Booming Market Offers Substantial Tax Revenues, Report Finds

by psmith, January 04, 2007, 05:13pm, (Issue #467)

The California medical marijuana market could be a substantial source of tax revenues for the state, according to a new study, but it isn't happening yet.

Drug Prohibition: Vermont Prosecutor Calls for "Peace Talks" in War on Drugs, Consideration of Public Health Approach

by psmith, January 04, 2007, 04:41pm, (Issue #467)

A Vermont prosecutor is calling for "peace talks" in the war on drugs. It is time to debate alternative approaches, he says.

"Magic Mushrooms" May Ease Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Study Finds

from Transworld News, January 04, 2007

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Latin America: Mexican Soldiers Occupy Tijuana in Fight Against Drug Trade

by psmith, January 03, 2007, 10:05pm, (Issue #467)

Mexican President Felipe Calderon has sent thousands of soldiers and federal police into Tijuana in a bid to stamp out the drug trade in the border city where more than 300 died in prohibition-related violence last year.

Latin America: Colombian Senator Calls for Drug Legalization Debate

by psmith, January 03, 2007, 05:01pm, (Issue #467)

A Colombian senator is calling for a debate on legalizing the drug trade. His father, a leading presidential candidate, was assassinated by Medellin Cartel hit men in 1990.

Marijuana: Judge Throws Out Religious Defense in Arizona Marijuana Case, Says Defendants Lack "Sincere" Belief

by psmith, January 03, 2007, 04:56pm, (Issue #467)

The leaders of a religious group arguing that the Religious Freedom Restoration Act protects them from prosecution under the federal marijuana laws were shot down in federal court when the judge ruled their beliefs were not "sincere."

Europe: Support for Marijuana Legalization Low

by psmith, January 03, 2007, 04:49pm, (Issue #467)

A survey conducted by the European Commission finds low levels of support for marijuana legalization in Europe. The Netherlands and Spain poll highest.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, January 03, 2007, 04:45pm, (Issue #467)

Continuing fall-out from the Henry County, Virginia, sheriff's office bust in October, another Tennessee cop running interference for drug dealers, a long-time fugitive INS officer caught, and, of course, a couple more jail guards bringing goodies to the prisoners.

I've Got Those Mean Old Bolivian Visa Blues

by psmith, January 02, 2007, 11:11pm

With my departure for South America set for 10 days from now, the Bolivian government has put a hitch in my plans.

Put Drug Laws on the Day One Docket

from Albany Times-Union, January 02, 2007

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Colombian Slum Turns Into Cocaine War Zone

from Associated Press, January 01, 2007

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Senator son of slain Colombian cartel fighter proposes drug legalization

from Associated Press, December 29, 2006

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Rebels Boosting Poppy Business in Myanmar

from Indo-Asian News Service, December 28, 2006

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Afghan Heroin's Surge Poses Danger in US; the World's Purest Form Can Kill More Addicts, As Seen in LA County

from Los Angeles Times, December 26, 2006

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Most Europeans Reject Marijuana Legalization

from AngusReid Global Monitor, December 24, 2006

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Ex-Cop Gives Tips on How to Hide Drugs; Former Texas Drug Cop Makes Video Titled "Never Get Busted Again"

from Associated Press, December 24, 2006

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Monitoring the Future Annual Report Warns of Prescription Drug Use

by psmith, December 22, 2006, 10:36pm

The annual Monitoring the Future survey of drug use among 8th, 10th, and 12th graders was released Thursday.

Feature: Marijuana is America's Number One Cash Crop, Study Finds

by psmith, December 21, 2006, 08:35pm, (Issue #466)

A new study using federal government statistics and conservative estimates illustrates the extreme failure of prohibitionist policies.

It Was the Worst of Times: Drug Reform Defeats, Downers, and Disappointments in 2006

by psmith, December 21, 2006, 05:55pm, (Issue #466)

As 2006 comes to a close, we look back at the year's biggest drug reform defeats, disappointments, and downers.

It Was the Best of Times: Drug Reform Victories and Advances in 2006

by psmith, December 21, 2006, 03:41pm, (Issue #466)

As 2006 comes to an end, we look back to find the most significant victories and advances for drug reform this year.

South Pacific: Australia Wants to Ban the Bong

by psmith, December 20, 2006, 11:29pm, (Issue #466)

As Australia shivers through a fit of Reefer Madness, the government of Prime Minister John Howard says it wants to ban bongs.

Latin America: Peruvian President Lauds Coca Leaf in Salad, Blasts Guerrillas

by psmith, December 20, 2006, 11:26pm, (Issue #466)

Peruvian President Alan Garcia asks for the death penalty for terrorism after Shining Path guerillas attack police and anti-drug workers trying to wipe out illicit coca crops. The following day, he says coca is great in salads.

Harm Reduction: Experts Call for Urgent Action as Fentanyl-Related Overdose Death Toll Climbs

by psmith, December 20, 2006, 11:21pm, (Issue #466)

More than 120 medical experts, public health departments, and drug user advocacy groups have signed on to a letter urging Health and Human Services Secretary Mike Leavitt to take aggressive action to stem a wave of fatal overdoses related to heroin cut with the synthetic opiate fentanyl.

Harm Reduction: New Jersey Governor Signs Needle Exchange Bill

by psmith, December 20, 2006, 11:14pm, (Issue #466)

New Jersey Gov. John Corzine (D) quickly signed the needle exchange passed by the state Assembly last week. Now, up to six Garden State cities may begin pilot programs.

Law Enforcement: This Week's Corrupt Cops Stories

by psmith, December 20, 2006, 11:08pm, (Issue #466)

A Virginia drug-fighter gets caught selling drugs, so does a former NYPD cop, and yet another jail guard goes down. Also, an interesting update on Operation Lively Green.

Heading Down South America Way

by psmith, December 20, 2006, 03:28pm

Very early on January 12, I will board a plane in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, and that night I will be sleeping in a hotel in downtown Lima, Peru.

Peru President Favors Using Cocaine-Producing Leaf for Salad

from Associated Press, December 20, 2006

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[New Jersey] Governor Corzine Signs Legislation Establishing Pilot Needle Exchange Programs

from Office of the Governor, December 19, 2006

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Analysis: Cocaine Fuels War, Undermines Peace in Colombia

from Reuters, December 19, 2006

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Government to Open Opium Processing to Private Firms

from Times of India, December 19, 2006

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Mexican Officials Find Nearly 1,800 Marijuana Fields

from Fox News, December 19, 2006

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Number of Heroin, Cocaine Busts Increasing Along Texas-Mexico Border

from Southwest Texas Live, December 19, 2006

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Afghanistan: Government Warns of Possible Poppy Crop Spraying

from United Nations Integretated Regional Information Networks (IRIN News), December 18, 2006

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Pot Is Called Biggest Cash Crop; The $35 Million Market Value of US-Grown Cannabis Tops Such Heartland Staples as Corn and Hay, a Marijuana Activists Says

from Los Angeles Times, December 18, 2006

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The Best and Worst of 2006?

by psmith, December 18, 2006, 01:34pm

The year is coming to an end, and it is time to look back at 2006. What did we achieve? What did we fail to achieve? What were the highlights and lowlights for drug policy reform this year?

Bad Science: Congress Passes Measure Okaying Mycoherbicide Testing, But Limits It to US Labs

by psmith, December 14, 2006, 10:25pm, (Issue #465)

Congress has passed a measure that will allow for the testing of potentially dangerous mycoherbicides to be used to destroy illicit drug crops. But in a victory for reformers, the okay will be limited to labs in the US -- not fields in Latin America.

Medical Marijuana: Eddy Lepp Wins a Battle

by psmith, December 14, 2006, 09:49pm, (Issue #465)

The DEA seized more than 30,000 plants from Eddy Lepp in 2004, calling it their biggest cultivation bust ever, but a judge this week threw out the evidence. Lepp has more battles ahead.

Addiction Treatment: Congress Allows Certified Physicians to Take On More Buprenorphine Patients

by psmith, December 14, 2006, 09:10pm, (Issue #465)

Congress last Friday moved to expand the number of patients certified physicians can treat with buprenorphine for opiate addiction. This is the second increase in two years.

Feature: Clamor Grows for Freedom for Texas Marijuana Prisoner Tyrone Brown

by psmith, December 14, 2006, 06:35pm, (Issue #465)

Tyrone Brown violated probation as a 17-year-old by smoking marijuana, and was sentenced to life in prison for it. He's still there, but maybe not for long.