Pubdate: Sat, 23 Dec 2006
Source: Times, The (UK)
Copyright: 2006 Times Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.the-times.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/454
Author: Tim Reid, Washington
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Marijuana)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

HOW TO BEAT THE DRUG BUSTS - BY THE BEST NARCOTICS OFFICER IN AMERICA

A former US policeman and undercover drug agent has appalled 
narcotics officials by introducing a Christmas video for drug users 
on how to avoid arrest and fool the police.

Barry Cooper, who is described by former colleagues as perhaps the 
best drug-enforcement officer in America, will next week begin 
marketing Never Get Busted Again, which will show viewers how to 
"conceal their stash, avoid narcotics profiling and fool canines every time".

Mr Cooper, who supports the legalisation of marijuana, made the video 
because he believes that the fight against drugs in America is a 
waste of money. The convictions of marijuana users fills prisons with 
non- violent offenders, he says.

"My main motivation in all of this is to teach Americans their civil 
liberties, and what drives me in this is injustice and unfairness in 
our system," Mr Cooper told the Tyler Morning Telegraph in Texas.

He said that he will launch a video, DVD and website on Boxing Day. 
During an impressive career as a drug officer he made more than 800 
drug arrests and seized more than 50 vehicles and $500,000 
(UKP250,000) in assets.

"He was probably the best narcotics officer in the state, and maybe 
the country, during his time with the force," said Tom Finley, his former boss.

The decision to produce a video has dismayed drug officials.

Richard Sanders, an agent with the Tyler Drug Enforcement 
Administration, said that he planned to investigate whether it 
violated any laws.

"It outrages me personally, as I'm sure it does any officer that has 
sworn an oath to uphold the laws of this state and nation," Mr 
Sanders said. "It is clear that his whole deal is to make money and 
he has found some sort of scheme, but for him to go to the dark side 
and do this is infuriating."

Deputy Constable Mark Waters, a narcotics officer in Texas, said that 
the video was insulting to police. "This is a slap in the face to all 
that we do to uphold the laws and keep the public safe," he said.

Mr Cooper argues that murderers, child molesters and rapists often 
receive shorter jail terms than drug users. "The trillions of dollars 
we're spending in our war on drugs should be used to protect our 
children," he said. "Our children are being molested every day and 
everyone knows we have lost the war on drugs." 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake