cannabisnews.com: DEA Chief Touts Drug-Fighting Tools





DEA Chief Touts Drug-Fighting Tools
Posted by FoM on April 12, 2002 at 19:19:16 PT
By Liz Vivanco, The Journal Gazette
Source: Journal Gazette
U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration head Asa Hutchinson learned about the growth of methamphetamine production in northeast Indiana and marijuana plants growing between corn rows at a conference Monday in Kendallville.The administrator spoke of the growing connection between drugs and terrorism and federal anti-narcotic efforts at a Counterdrug Technology Assessment Center meeting with about 50 representatives from 30 local law enforcement agencies.
Hutchinson said local police chiefs and county sheriffs told him about several pharmacy robberies involving OxyContin."I heard information that I can use to further educate the public on this problem as well as reinforce our regulatory efforts," Hutchinson said.Al Brandenstein, director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy's technology center, demonstrated surveillance and detection equipment available to law enforcement agencies. Brandenstein developed thermal imaging and trace detection technology distributed to agencies for the last four or five years.The Office of National Drug Policy's Technology Transfer Program allows agencies to receive federal money to purchase surveillance systems and handheld devices. Director Rafael Anton said the majority of applications come from cities with populations of less than 50,000."We target groups who don't have extra money to help with drug investigations," Anton said. "(The equipment) makes a difference."Rep. Mark Souder, R-4th, said Whitley County has used the most equipment in the area, and the county's drug arrests have increased over the last three years.In Indiana, about 1,300 agencies have applied for devices so far this year, Anton said.As drug transactions are completed using cloned cell phones and encrypted e-mail, he said, police officers need sophisticated tools to catch dealers.Technology used by drug runners on local city streets isn't as advanced as that of a Colombian drug cartel, for example, but officers must be equipped to handle increasingly high-tech toys, Souder said."I'm concerned if we don't stay ahead, we'll fall behind," he said. "(Local drug dealers') equipment is not as sophisticated, but it's always improved. If they have better technology, we're at a disadvantage."We can never eliminate drug abuse, but we can manage it," Souder said.Agencies in smaller communities are usually encouraged by city governments and constituents to spend any extra money on more police officers rather than on gear, Anton said.Brandenstein demonstrated thermal imaging cameras that don't require a light source to detect body heat. He showed a device that can detect objects through walls, such as hidden bundles of cocaine or cash.Hutchinson lauded community coalitions that reduce the demand for drugs through education and treatment."Drug problems are not unique to urban America, but they're found in rural areas as well," said Hutchinson, who is from rural Arkansas. "(Fort Wayne-area) law enforcement works closely together to support each other. Anti-drug efforts are very strong in the Fort Wayne area, and I applaud their close cooperation with the DEA."Source: Journal Gazette, The (IN)Author: Liz Vivanco, The Journal GazettePublished: Tuesday April 09, 2002 Copyright: 2002 The Journal GazetteContact: letters jg.netWebsite: http://www.fortwayne.com/mld/journalgazette/CannabisNews DEA Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/DEA.shtml
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Comment #8 posted by Patrick on April 13, 2002 at 11:08:34 PT
Souder had a thought!
"We can never eliminate drug abuse, but we can manage it," Souder said.Yeah right. His idea of managed health care is a jail. People with substance abuse problems do not need jail they need access to treatment and care? No Mr. Souder criminals like the Enron execs and pedophiles, rapists, and murderers need jail. But no, you spend all our tax money chasing ditch weed and busting kids and stealing their education dollars. Arrest Souder, Barr and Joyce.
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Comment #7 posted by aocp on April 13, 2002 at 10:53:52 PT
all this looks like is
a thinly-veiled attempt to justify more civil forfeitures. Otherwise, the criminals are just going to leave our pathetic public servants wallowing in a sea of despair and pot smoke from cradles.
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Comment #6 posted by monvor on April 13, 2002 at 06:58:46 PT
Rep. Mark Souder, R-4th
This is the same guy that introduced an amendment to the HEA that denies drug offenders from getting financial aid. His idea of drug education is keeping po folks from going to college. Rich folks can get caught using drugs and still get a higher education.Clearly, this leopard is trying to change his spots, but I believe in retribution for all drug war criminals. I hope this is his last term in office.
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Comment #5 posted by i420 on April 13, 2002 at 04:21:10 PT
You can't live of corn alone.
There are so many potheads in Indiana they better get smart and make it a civil offence like Ohio or they will continue to have to release armed robbers out on their own recognozzence. If they do get lucky enough to catch the OxyContin Bandit the jails will be too full of non-violent drug offenders to put em away.
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Comment #4 posted by BGreen on April 12, 2002 at 23:16:19 PT
Mayberry Get's Smart
Without the WOD, none of the Barney Fife's could run around playing Maxwell Smart.Stupid is as stupid does.
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Comment #3 posted by MikeEEEEE on April 12, 2002 at 20:49:15 PT
goneposthole
I couldn't agree more, drugs equal money, almost anything could be done with it.
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Comment #2 posted by goneposthole on April 12, 2002 at 20:36:38 PT
deductive reasoning
Seems to me that there are a lot of people using plenty of drugs, metric tons of cocaine etc.I will exclude pot, it is an herb not a drug.One would expect a huge amount of terrorism or even all out war. It just does not come to pass. I don't know what the future holds, but based on past and present situations, it just does not happen. What color is the terror code today?I hope and pray that it doesn't, either. Realistically, there probably is no need for worry.Drugs equals terrorism is sheer fantasy. Drugs equals money, but what isn't done for money? I don't think Asa does his administering for free. I could be wrong.
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Comment #1 posted by MDG on April 12, 2002 at 20:07:13 PT
Huh?
Asa Hutchinson learned about the growth of methamphetamine production in northeast Indiana and marijuana plants growing between corn rows at a conference Monday in Kendallville. The administrator spoke of the growing connection between drugs and terrorism.
Yeah, that's using the old noodle! Meth-labs and marijuana growing in Indiana corn...how in the world can he make any connection to terrorists? Is Osama Bin Laden driving a tractor? The only people I've met that ever had anything to do with meth-type drugs were fork-lift driving bikers.Here's the only thing that makes sense: We can never eliminate drug abuse, but we can manage it," Souder said. Take that to the next logical step Mr. Souder: We can never eliminate drug abuse, but we can regulate it." Thank you, sir, for letting some of the sun shine in.Is it just me, or are things moving quickly lately?
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