Tavis Smiley, Guest Host SMILEY: The president takes action and has some asking this -- is he taking a turn to the right? Plus, will Obama make history and push to make marijuana use legal? Not if opponents can help it. Marijuana -- the debate with Montel Williams, Stephen Baldwin and others next on LARRY KING LIVE. Good evening. I'm Tavis Smiley sitting in for Larry tonight. SMILEY: President Obama yesterday, speak of the president, also, as we all know by now, held an online town hall meeting yesterday. He noted the Internet community had a high interest in having him answer a question on legalizing marijuana to help the economy. So he addressed it. [continues 3460 words]
LOU DOBBS, HOST: And disturbing evidence tonight of the tremendous dangers of marijuana. Researchers now say marijuana may cause serious long-term brain damage to addicts. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: You run the risk that the alterations that you produce today will manifest themselves in 10 years or 20 years. (END VIDEO CLIP) ANNOUNCER: This is LOU DOBBS TONIGHT, news, debate and opinion for Wednesday, February 21st. Live in New York, Lou Dobbs. DOBBS: Good evening, everybody. [snip] DOBBS: Let's take a look now at some of your thoughts. [continues 1705 words]
LOU DOBBS, HOST: Tonight, scathing criticism of bureaucratic blunders by the FBI and the Department of Justice in the war against radical Islamist terrorists. We'll have that special report. Also tonight, prescription drugs helping drive the fastest growing type of substance abuse in this country. [skip to segment] DOBBS: In the war within tonight, the prescription medicines in your own home are a source of the fastest-growing substance abuse in this nation. The government's set a goal to cut prescription drug abuse by 15 percent over the next three years. Today issuing new guidelines on how to prevent those drugs from reaching your children and abusers. [continues 535 words]
Sitting in for Lou Dobbs, Christine Romans. ROMANS: The war on drugs in this country is being fought at the federal, state and local level as law enforcement officials try to crack down on drug smuggling and drug sales. But what you might find surprising is what's happening in some of the wealthiest circles in this country. Private donors are spending millions of dollars to promote the decriminalization and legalization of marijuana. Bill Tucker reports. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) BILL TUCKER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): It's just a plant, that's all. Not a dangerous drug. It's a children's book, where farmers grow it and parents, doctors, mayors, even presidents use marijuana. It's aimed at 6- to 12-year-olds. [continues 956 words]
Second Coroner's Examination Finds 14-Year-Old Suffocated A teenager who died at a Florida boot camp was suffocated by guards who were restraining him, a medical examiner has determined. The teen's mother hailed the findings, saying "the truth is out," but a lawyer for one of the guards accused the examiner of giving in to political pressure. Martin Lee Anderson, 14, died in January after he was restrained and struck by workers at the boot camp for juvenile offenders. [continues 814 words]
Doug Wead Says Recordings Were Not Meant for Public NEW YORK (CNN) -- The author who secretly recorded his conversations with then-Gov. George W. Bush told CNN Monday he should give the tapes to the president despite lucrative offers to sell them. Doug Wead -- a former aide to President Bush's father, George H.W. Bush -- recorded about nine hours of conversations with the Texas governor while he was considering his run for the White House. On the tapes, the president appears to admit to past drug use and says he won't join some conservative Christians he sees as "kicking gays." [continues 897 words]
HIGHLIGHT: In the ongoing war on drugs, the federal government today is claiming a significant victory. A newly released survey found drug use among teenagers had declined 11 percent over the past two years. That exceeds the White House's target of 10 percent. CATHERINE CALLAWAY, CNN ANCHOR: In the ongoing war on drugs, the federal government today is claiming a significant victory. A newly released survey found drug use among teenagers had declined 11 percent over the past two years. That exceeds the White House's target of 10 percent. [continues 906 words]
KING: Oakville, Ontario, hello. CHAMNEY: Hi, Mr. Maher, I'm absolutely thrilled to be speaking with you. MAHER: Well, I'm thrilled to be talking to you, too. CHAMNEY: My question for you is, do you plan on staying behind the marijuana mission? I don't know if you've realized... MAHER: I do. CHAMNEY: But you've saved peoples' lives up here in Canada and the United States. It was because of you discussing it on TV and a Web site called The Marijuana Mission that made my family understand what marijuana does for people. And it actually stopped my grandma's seizures. So, I'm no longer considered an epileptic just because I smoke it every day. And I appreciate you so much. And we talk about you up here all the time. You should run for Congress, sir. [continues 355 words]
TULIA, Texas -- When Kizzie White applies for a job this week, the information on her application form will be different. The mother of two was one of 38 defendants convicted in a drug sting on the word of an undercover agent who later was charged with perjury. She and 34 other involved in the bust were granted pardons Friday by Gov. Rick Perry. "We actually can put on our application 'never been convicted of a felony"' said White, 26. "I'm really free, and I thank God I am." [continues 397 words]
[Monday, 4 August] DOBBS: Tonight, we begin a series of special reports this week on the war on drugs. We call it "The Forgotten War." It's a war that costs American taxpayers $12 billion a year to stop the flow of drugs into this country. Lisa Sylvester reports. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After 30 years of fighting the drug war, U.S. law enforcement officials have been changing their approach. Instead of simply looking at the drug war based on supply and demand, they now look at it as a business, attacking growers, shippers, wholesalers, and retailers. [continues 6734 words]
DOBBS: Bill, thank you -- Bill Tucker. Turning now to another trend that is concerning many in this country, the growing use of antidepressant drugs. Those drugs are among the most widely prescribed medications in the country, a $14- billion-a-year industry. Many of the consumers -- and there are millions of them -- are children and adolescents. And that is troubling some health professionals, who worry that, instead of helping depression, some of these drugs may in fact be worsening conditions. Kitty Pilgrim reports. [continues 1100 words]
[snip] DOBBS: This week, we are reporting on "The Forgotten War," the war against drugs. Secretary of State Colin Powell has recommended that the United States resume its backing of anti-drug flights over Colombia. Reuters quotes unnamed administration officials who say President Bush is likely to approve the recommendation. Those flights were halted two years ago after an aircraft carrying a U.S. missionary was shot down in Peru. It had been mistaken for a drug running plane. Last night here, we reported on efforts to control the international supply of drugs before they enter this country. Tonight, we report on what's being done to stop drugs produced in this country as we continue our series of special reports, "The Forgotten War." [continues 538 words]
DOBBS: Tonight, we begin a series of special reports this week on the war on drugs. We call it "The Forgotten War." It's a war that costs American taxpayers $12 billion a year to stop the flow of drugs into this country. Lisa Sylvester reports. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) LISA SYLVESTER, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): After 30 years of fighting the drug war, U.S. law enforcement officials have been changing their approach. Instead of simply looking at the drug war based on supply and demand, they now look at it as a business, attacking growers, shippers, wholesalers, and retailers. [continues 1915 words]
Journalist Eric Schlosser looks at the some of the busiest sectors of the underground empire in his new book. It's called, "Reefer Madness: Sex, Drugs, and Cheap Labor in the American Market." He is also the author of the best-selling, "Fast Food Nation." We are delighted to have Eric with us today on IN The MONEY. Welcome. ERIC SCHLOSSER, AUTHOR: Thanks for having me. CAFFERTY: How big a problem is this if, in fact, it is a problem, and I assume it is, and why should Andy or myself or you care? [continues 1140 words]
THIS IS A RUSH TRANSCRIPT. THIS COPY MAY NOT BE IN ITS FINAL FORM AND MAY BE UPDATED. BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: I want to bring in our "House Call" right now. Federal agents are concerned about the growing use of an herb that can alter perception and induce visions. The little-known herb is available on the Internet. Dr. Sanjay Gupta is looking into it. He's here this morning at the CNN Center. Salvia, is that right, Sanjay? [continues 1054 words]
Rights Groups Have Accused The Thai PM Of Authorizing A Shoot-To-Kill Policy BANGKOK, Thailand -- Thailand's prime minister has defended his controversial war on drugs trumpeting the successful conclusion of a campaign that left more than 2,200 people dead in a three-month period. Speaking to journalists in Bangkok Wednesday Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra denied accusations of extra-judicial killings and said the world should be grateful that Thailand was taking such a tough line on drugs. "The success of this campaign has helped the whole world, especially the Western countries," he said. [continues 264 words]
DETROIT, Michigan (AP) -- A federal appeals court Wednesday struck down Michigan's program to test welfare recipients for drug use. The decision by a 12-member panel of the 6th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reverses an October ruling by a three-judge panel from the same court. Michigan was the first state to pass such a program, and many other states have been watching the case progress. Officials for the American Civil Liberties Union, which filed the class-action lawsuit in 1999 on behalf of all Michigan welfare recipients, said upholding the program could have set a dangerous precedent. [continues 250 words]
Ahead on NEWSNIGHT: the strange case of Ed Rosenthal. The state of California said he was growing medical marijuana legally. The federal government thought differently. A short break and NEWSNIGHT continues from New York. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) BROWN: Coming up on NEWSNIGHT: the clash of marijuana laws and the man caught in the middle. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) BROWN: I always want to comment on that, but I don't get them all. The next story is two great debates wrapped up in one story. The debate on the surface dates back a few decades: whether sick people should have legal access to marijuana. But the debate underneath dates back a few centuries: just how much the federal government in Washington can tell the people out in the states what to do. [continues 976 words]
ANNOUNCER: Next, he was growing pot to ease the pain -- legally. Now he's going to jail on drug charges. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) ED ROSENTHAL, MEDICAL MARIJUANA ADVOCATE: For the first time in my life I find myself questioning the court system and how the letter of the law can circumvent the intent of the law. (END VIDEO CLIP) ANNOUNCER: The jury that convicted him says they were duped, when CONNIE CHUNG TONIGHT returns. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) CHUNG: There are no do-overs in legal cases. But some jurors who served on one California case are now wishing there were. [continues 1616 words]
PORT ST. LUCIE, Florida (CNN) -- Two third-graders at a Florida elementary school are facing felony charges Wednesday after police said they were found to have 15 plastic bags of marijuana. Port St. Lucie police said a cafeteria worker at the Rivers Edge Elementary School told them a 9-year-old boy had shown her a plastic bag of what appeared to be pot. The boy had 12 small bags of marijuana, according to a police report. The student admitted he attempted to sell some of the bags to another third-grader, according to police. A second pupil was found in possession of three bags, police said. He told police he got them from the first boy on the bus on the way to school. [continues 215 words]
BIRMINGHAM, England -- Beat bobbies in central England are patrolling the streets with unlikely partners -- a group of Rastafarians called peace officers. The 'rasta cops' wear tea cosy hats instead of helmets and have no power of arrest but are working to make the streets of Handsworth, Birmingham -- the scene of race riots in 1985 - safer. And their presence is helping to defuse tensions between the mostly white police force and the predominantly black community. Peace officer Clive Asher said: "We work with the police. Our aim is to maintain and make peace and build good relations in the community between the police and the community." [continues 207 words]
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) -- Stores and schools across Rio closed Monday, reportedly on orders from the city's most powerful crime gang to protest prison conditions of its jailed leader. Police increased street patrols and no violence was reported, but fear shut down much of the city. From trendy Ipanema beach to the city's poor north side, scores of shops didn't open or quickly closed. The Estacio de Sa college let out classes and canceled scheduled exams because students and teachers stayed home. [continues 253 words]
- -----irrelevant section snipped... TALKBACK LIVE continues in a moment. (COMMERCIAL BREAK) NEVILLE: And welcome back, everybody. How far should rehab centers go to protect their clients from the law? The issue came up after Noelle Bush, daughter of Florida Governor Jeb Bush, was accused of possessing crack cocaine while in rehab. Now prosecutors want clinic workers to testify against her. But just today a Florida judge turned them down, saying forced testimony will only make rehab centers meaningless. Here to talk about it is Maia Szalavitz, author of "Recovery Options: The Complete Guide." She herself is a recovered heroine and cocaine addict. And Tom Fitton, President of Judicial Watch. Want to welcome both of you to the show. [continues 2615 words]
LONDON, England -- An article in a British scientific journal suggests the party drug Ecstasy may not be dangerous -- and that reported ill effects could be imaginary. Writing in the British Psychological Society's magazine The Psychologist, three researchers -- two from Liverpool, England, and one from California - -- criticised studies into the drug's effects. Studies have reported that the tablets -- popular with young people attending raves and nightclubs -- cause long-term brain damage and mental problems. But the new article criticised that research and accused researchers of bias. The article was written by Jon Cole and Harry Sumnall of the University of Liverpool and Charles Grob of the Harbor-UCLA Medical Center in California. [continues 864 words]
[Segment Snipped] CARLSON: Later, lighting up a joint in Britain will still get you a ticket, but not a trip to jail. Does that mean a lightened attitude? We'll ask the head of the DEA. [Segment Snipped] CARLSON: Still to come, if it's good enough for London, is it good enough for Las Vegas? We'll look at the push to liberalize marijuana laws. [Segment Snipped] CARLSON: And then, pull out your roach clips and head to the voting booth. You won't believe what's on Nevada's ballot. [continues 1224 words]
Now, if you are in chronic, unrelenting pain Dr. Phillip Leveque could be your best friend. Oregon has a law allowing people with debilitating conditions like cancer or glaucoma or AIDS to legally use marijuana. But get this, of the 2,000 Oregonians who have gotten permission, roughly half were approved by Dr. Leveque. Is this a man a doctor feel good? Or is he willing to go where others will not in order to relieve pain? Dr. Phillip Leveque joins us now from Portland. Good evening. Thanks for being with us Dr. Leveque. [continues 890 words]
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: The big question, of course, at this hour, is there a link between drug use and terrorism? The White House is sending a powerful message linking illegal drugs and global terrorism. The message was delivered, in fact, during last night's Super Bowl. The administration spent nearly $3.5 million on two 30 second commercials focusing on how drugs support terror. (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP FROM COMMERCIAL) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: Anything else, sir? [continues 999 words]
DALLAS, Texas (AP) -- For nearly three months, Jose Luis Vega languished in jail after police claimed they found a package of drugs at the auto body shop where he worked. The 35-year-old Mexican immigrant proclaimed his innocence -- to no avail. He had been fingered by a confidential informant often used by authorities. Vega was finally released in November after lab tests indicated the substance found wasn't cocaine -- but the building material drywall. By that time, Vega had lost his job and gone into debt. [continues 525 words]
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Tougher laws against money laundering are needed if the United States is going to cripple Osama bin Laden's international financial support network, congressional and administration officials said Wednesday on Capitol Hill. The Senate Banking Committee discussed several proposals to strengthen money laundering laws at a previously scheduled hearing that took on an added sense of urgency because of the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington. Federal investigators believe the attacks were the work of bin Laden and his al Qaeda organization. [continues 730 words]
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Pentagon officials have targeted illicit-drug production facilities in Afghanistan to cut off the Taliban militia's funding, sources told CNN Monday. Striking at drug facilities is one option military planners are considering as they devise ways military force could be used to pressure the Taliban, a senior Pentagon official said. "This is like a football coach having a lot of plays in his play book," the official said. Drug facilities in Afghanistan are on the "list of potential targets," the source said. [continues 250 words]
TEHRAN, Iran (CNN) -- British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw says in a letter to the people of Iran that "the war on terrorism is not remotely a war against Islam." Straw, who wrote the letter ahead of his visit to Iran on Monday, is the highest-ranking British official to visit Iran since the 1979 Islamic revolution. His visit is designed to encourage Iran to join the U.S. drive to build a "global coalition against terrorism" in the wake of the hijack attacks on the United States. [continues 472 words]
VANDALIA, Michigan (CNN) -- A campground owner involved in four-day standoff with police in rural southwestern Michigan was shot and killed Monday evening, according to a source at the multi-agency task force headquarters created to deal with the standoff. The task force was composed of members of the FBI, the Michigan State Police and the Cass County Sheriff's Office. Tom Crosslin, 46, owner of Rainbow Farm Campground, was wanted on federal charges for firing at an aircraft, in addition to state drug and firearms charges. [continues 299 words]
More than 50 years after the United Nations issued its groundbreaking Universal Declaration of Human Rights, underlining its commitment to uphold the dignity and worth of every human being, the world remains a place filled with discrimination, xenophobia and ethnic conflicts. The controversies swirling around the U.N. World Conference Against Racism -- set for August 31 to September 7 in Durban, South Africa -- point up the political bombshells loaded within the topic. In the run-up to the conference, power struggles over its agenda -- and who will attend -- cast a cloud over the U.N.'s stated goal of creating "a new world vision for the fight against racism and racial discrimination." [continues 254 words]
SUVA, Fiji -- A Fijian high chief has said his people should be shot dead if found planting marijuana, sparking controversy a week ahead of fresh elections. The elections are the first since a coup attempt last year. Fiji voters go to the polls on August 25 in a week-long election that will see candidates from some 18 political parties vying to form the next new government. A former member of parliament in the Rabuka regime, Ratu Sakuisa Matuku, who is paramount chief of the Nadroga province on Fiji's main island of Viti Levu, offered shooting as a solution to the growing problem of marijuana cultivation, a local newspaper reported. [continues 373 words]
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) -- A Colombian judge ruled Monday that the U.S.-backed fumigation of drug crops could resume in Indian lands in the Amazon. Eleven days before he had ordered it suspended. Judge Gilberto Reyes had ordered a temporary suspension of the aerial fumigations on July 27 after the Organization of Indian Peoples of the Colombian Amazon alleged the herbicide glyphosate was causing health problems and environmental damage. Reyes said he ordered the suspension to give the Indian group time to back up its claims with evidence. The group did not provide evidence and Reyes revoked the suspension order, said the judge's assistant, Jaime Ardila. [continues 242 words]
RHONDA SCHAFFLER, CNNfn ANCHOR, MARKET CALL: In the movie "Traffic," Michael Douglas, as the frustrated U.S. Drug Czar, says, "the battle is not a war on drugs, but a war on ourselves and our children." While the movie was fictional, the facts seem to back him up. In 1998, there were 1.7 million cocaine users in the U.S., the highest percentage were between the ages of 18 to 25. More alarming, in 1999, 7.7 percent of tenth-graders and 4.7 percent of eighth-graders had tried cocaine at least once. But those stats don't sway the financial argument made in the latest issue of The Economist magazine to legalize drugs. The article says illegal drugs have a potential retail sale of $150 billion a year. In comparison, the tobacco industry generates $204 billion in sales. The magazine also cites the ill-effects that the $35 billion-a-year War on Drugs is having on society. Three-quarters of that money goes to punishment and prosecution of drug offenders. So does The Economist have a point? should we regulate the drug trade, or continue to relegate drug users to rehabs and prison cells? Joining me now to make the "Tough Call," in D.C., the executive director of the Drug Reform Coordination Network, David Borden, and in Atlanta, the president of National Families in Action, Sue Rushe. [continues 789 words]
LOU WATERS, CNN ANCHOR: We are paying attention to Canada's new medical marijuana law, the first of its kind in the world. While at the same time, states' laws governing the use of medical marijuana are under fire here by the United States Supreme Court. Joining us here in Atlanta is Sue Roche. She is the executive director of the National Families in Action, with me here in Atlanta. And in Washington we have Chuck Thomas from the Marijuana Policy Project. What we just saw from CTV in Canada was a statement from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (UNINTELLIGIBLE) said all that's changed is, in the marijuana laws, is that if you don't have a permit to grow or use this marijuana, you get busted. [continues 1231 words]
As scientists warn about the dangers of ecstasy, Congress is trying to do something about the drug's rising use among young people. DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: As we were telling you, the story about ecstasy. There are warnings from scientists about the danger of that drug and Congress trying to do something about the drug's rising use among young people. Here's a live picture and there's the chairman, in fact, Senator Joe Lieberman of the Governmental Affairs Committee. And hearings are under way right now on Capitol Hill. [continues 570 words]
Some people with chronic pain have to lean on powerful prescription drugs just to get through the day. Life can be unbearable without them. In tonight's cover story, CNN's Bill Delaney on how legitimate drug users may have to go without, because of drug abusers. BILL HEMMER, CNN ANCHOR: Some people with chronic pain have to lean on powerful prescription drugs just to get through the day. Life can be unbearable without them. In tonight's cover story, CNN's Bill Delaney on how legitimate drug users may have to go without, because of drug abusers. [continues 508 words]
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- An investigation into the shooting down of an U.S. missionary plane in April reveals that the Peruvian air force failed to follow procedures of a U.S.-Peruvian aerial drug interception program, senior Bush administration officials tell CNN. Missionary Veronica Bowers and her infant daughter were killed in April when the Peruvian air force shot down the single-engine Cessna after the crew of another plane -- owned by the U.S. Department of Defense and chartered by the CIA as part of a joint Peru-U.S. drug interdiction program - -- spotted the plane and notified the Peruvian officer aboard that plane. The officer, a lieutenant colonel, notified the Peruvian air force, which in turn authorized the shoot-down by a Peruvian air force fighter. The Americans, U.S. officials said, tried to persuade the Peruvians to proceed cautiously and take time to get a definitive identification of the plane. [continues 923 words]
JEFF GREENFIELD, HOST: Arkansas Congressman Asa Hutchinson today began Senate hearings on his nomination to head the Drug Enforcement Administration. If he's confirmed -- as he's widely expected to be -- how should he fight the war on drugs? And should we even think of it as a war in the first place? The war on drugs tonight on GREENFIELD AT LARGE. Every war has a body count, so some numbers first. The official government body count if you will, from the so called war on drugs: Roughly one third of all Americans over the age 12 have tried an illegal drug. An estimated 76 million have tried marijuana or hashish. Ten percent have tried cocaine. [continues 4003 words]
Should Allow Him To Avoid Jail Time Leon Harris, CNN Anchor: In 1987's "Less Than Zero," actor Robert Downey, Jr. played a cocaine addicted party boy. Well, now his behavior in real life has him in court this morning answering to drug charges once again. For the latest let's go down to CNN's Paul Vercammen who's standing by live in Indio, California outside the courthouse. Paul? Paul Vercammen, CNN Correspondent: Well, Leon, momentarily they will begin here. And as we've told you all morning long, Downey is expected to enter that plea of no contest and that will basically allow him to avoid prison time and continue his rehabilitation in a Malibu treatment facility. [continues 7368 words]
California Is Launching A Different Battle Plan Against Drug Abuse. Under A New Law, Some Offenders Should Never See The Inside Of A Jail. DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: California is launching a different battle plan against drug abuse. Under a new law, some offenders should never see the inside of a jail. CNN's Rusty Dornin explains the questions and controversy that the law is creating. (BEGIN VIDEOTAPE) RUSTY DORNIN, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): He's not violent. He's definitely got a drug problem. And under California's new law, offenders like Robert Downey Jr. could get sentenced to treatment, not time. [continues 354 words]
(BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I didn't care about anything but doing ecstasy. I didn't want to wake up in the morning unless I knew I had a pill waiting there next to me to take. (END VIDEO CLIP) MILES O'BRIEN, GUEST HOST: Do you rave about ecstasy? (BEGIN VIDEO CLIP) UNIDENTIFIED FEMALE: I think it's in the school. I know that I'm going to see it when I go to college. [continues 7792 words]
NEW HAVEN, Connecticut (AP) -- When an epidemic of crack and gang violence erupted in cities like New Haven in the 1990s, police and lawmakers struck back hard. The war on drugs yielded dozens of new laws, including mandatory sentences for drug dealers and heavier penalties for dealing crack rather than powdered cocaine. But those laws also had unintended consequences in minority communities. Black men make up less than 3 percent of Connecticut's population but account for 47 percent of inmates in prisons, jails and halfway houses, 2000 census figures show. [continues 700 words]
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The United States has widened its investigation with Peru into the downing of a U.S. missionary plane to include aerial narcotics interception programs in Peru and Colombia, a U.S. State Department official said Monday. U.S. missionary Veronica Bowers and her infant daughter were killed in April when a Peruvian air force plane shot down the single-engine Cessna in which they were flying. The aircraft was suspected of carrying drug traffickers; it wasn't. A nearby CIA-contracted surveillance plane had been providing intelligence on the missionary plane to the Peruvians as part of a joint drug interception program. Drug interception flights in Peru and Colombia have been suspended pending the results of the investigation. [continues 198 words]
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration has arrested 185 people and issued warrants for another 170 in connection with a Mexican drug operation, DEA officials said Wednesday. The 18-month investigation, dubbed "Operation Marquis," focused on a ring that allegedly ran cocaine and marijuana from Mexico to Texas, distributing in at least 27 U.S. cities, including New York, San Antonio, Texas; Cleveland, Ohio, and Charlotte, North Carolina, the DEA said. Citing an "unprecedented level of cooperation" from Mexican authorities, DEA agents said they had seized 8 tons of cocaine and $12 million. DEA officials said they have severely crippled many well-organized distribution cells in the United States as a result of these arrests. The investigation involved as many as 80 state and local law enforcement agencies. [continues 108 words]
LIMA, Peru (Reuters) -- Fugitive former spy chief Vladimiro Montesinos and his cronies turned Peru into a "narco state," a congressional commission investigating his alleged web of corruption said after completing seven months of work. In its final report, excerpts of which were released late on Friday, the panel said the previous regime had "turned Peru into a sort of narco state, in which networks of support for this illicit activity were set up, using the concentration of information that Montesinos had in the SIN (intelligence services)" on local and international drugs figures. [continues 422 words]
A powerful house lawmaker asked the FBI to re-examine the extent to which its e-mail sniffing tool, Carnivore, infringes on privacy. House Majority Leader Dick Armey in a letter asked Attorney General John Ashcroft to take a look at Carnivore in light of a recent Supreme Court case involving privacy and police technology. The nation's highest court on Monday ruled that thermal imaging devices "erode the privacy guaranteed by the Fourth Amendment," according to the case "Kyllo v. United States." [continues 291 words]
