SAN BENITO -- Drug trafficking that has spurred violence across Mexico is spreading corruption into the Rio Grande Valley in the form of bribery that tempts some U.S. officials, a top FBI agent said. "Our main threat in the Valley emanates from drug trafficking cartels," Miles Hutchinson, the FBI's supervisory senior resident agent in Brownsville, said in a speech before the San Benito Rotary Club on Thursday. The Gulf Cartel moves an estimated $20 million to $40 million worth of drugs through the Valley every month "and a lot of that money stays here," said Hutchinson, who has served as an FBI supervisor in Mexico City. [continues 297 words]
Gary Ross had back pain, and he treated it with dope. When Ross failed a drug test, his employer promptly fired him. Ross had proof-positive that his drug use was legal. He had a medical marijuana card authorizing him to use the drug for treatment of pain from a back injury sustained while serving in the U.S. Air Force. Despite his condition and his card - and despite an injury sustained while serving his country - the California Supreme Court last week upheld the company's decision to fire him. [continues 351 words]
