cannabisnews.com: FBI Reports MJ Arrests Exceed Those For Crime FBI Reports MJ Arrests Exceed Those For Crime Posted by FoM on October 22, 1999 at 09:25:54 PT NORML's Weekly Update News Source: NORML The Number of marijuana related arrests dropped slightly in 1998 to 682,885, from 1997's record high of 695,200, according to the latest FBI Uniform Crime Report released on Sunday. Eighty-eight percent of those arrests were for possession. Forty-four percent of all drug arrests nationwide were for marijuana, and one out of every 25 criminal arrests in the U.S. were for marijuana possession. "The war on drugs is increasingly focused on seeking out and prosecuting otherwise law-abiding citizens who smoke marijuana," said Keith Stroup, NORML Executive Director. "It represents a gross misapplication of law enforcement resources that should be spent on serious and violent crime." There were 6,985 more arrests for marijuana offenses last year than for all violent crimes combined, including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault. Last year was the first drop in marijuana arrests since President Clinton took office. Marijuana arrests have risen 80 percent during the Clinton presidency, from a low of 380,399 in 1993. A total of 3,470,545 Americans have been arrested on marijuana charges during the Clinton administration. For more information, please contact: Keith Stroup NORML Executive Director at (202) 483-5500. To view the Uniform Crime Report go to: http://www.fbi.govClick the link to read all of NORML's Weekly Update News:http://www.norml.org/news/index.shtmlNORML's Legalization Survey:http://www.norml.org/survey/intro.htmlUS Marijuana Busts Remained High In 1998 - Group - 10/17/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread3318.shtmlCannabis News NORML Related Articles:http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/list/NORML.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #6 posted by kaptinemo on October 23, 1999 at 07:22:30 PT Keeping the Faith... As others have pointed out, here, the narcs are on the defensive. They have had their way for so long they thought their propaganda would always be revered as Gospel, and don't know how to rationally defend their positions without being reduced to mudslinging. They are getting ever more shrill in their denunciations, repeatedly screaching their b.s. as if it were an incantation to ward off evil spirits. (Just look at McCaffrey; the IoM study refutes all his talking points, but he still acts as it was never released, let alone commissioned *by his own office*). The 'charm' has worn off and doesn't work anymore. But like Hitler in his bunker, surrounded by his sycophants, telling each other they will win, they are going to tough it out to the end... not realizing the end is already here, the war is over, and the only thing that remains is to close this ugly chapter of the country's history and move on. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Chris Knestrick on October 22, 1999 at 13:48:22 PT: Forfeiture Speaking of forfeiture, does anyone have (or know where I can get) the latest $$$ statistics on what the government steals? I thought FEAR would have something, but they don't.Thanks. [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on October 22, 1999 at 10:33:30 PT I Agree With You Too! Thanks Thomas! Now would be the worst possible time to just quit and do nothing. You are right, they are scrambling trying to patch all the holes that have put in the Drug War propaganda! Life can be good and now that day of freedom seems a little closer! What's New [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by Thomas on October 22, 1999 at 10:27:14 PT I Agree With You FoM There does seem to be something about the current stories, trends, and general happenings in our country and around the world that seem to suggest that times are changing. People are exposed more than ever to alternate sources of information rather than the spoon fed variety we get from our media. It is becoming more evident every day that the prohibitionists are expending more and more energy and resources doing damage control and general defensive maneuvering, rather than going on the offense. It is at this time, more than ever, that we need to continue to be pro-active in forwarding our views. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on October 22, 1999 at 09:57:38 PT Things Are Changing! Thanks Observer! I really look forward to reading your comments and others too! Sad state of affairs our country is in but things appear to be changing. I can feel it in the air!Peace, FoM! [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by observer on October 22, 1999 at 09:37:08 PT more money in busting pot smokers than murderers > There were 6,985 more arrests for marijuana offenses > last year than for all violent crimes combined, > including murder, rape, robbery and aggravated assault.Sure, but with the marijuana arrests, the police gets to steal the victim's money and property. Now, which do you think the nice policeman is going after? A violent murderer who might hurt the nice policeman ... or a peaceful marijuana smoker who offers no resistance (and oh, by the way, you get to steal his car, house and any cash he may have)? Bottom line: its easy and lucrative to bust cannabis smokers. Not so for rapists and murderers. www.fear.org [ Post Comment ] Post Comment Name: Optional Password: E-Mail: Subject: Comment: [Please refrain from using profanity in your message] Link URL: Link Title: