The feds are scared!

Hey, all!

I posted this in the Colorado section of this board, but wanted to do so here as well. Maybe you know someone in Colorado, and could help to get the word out??!!

R

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Make sure you vote!!! This (article below) is contrived. These clowns are worried about job security. Even though they say the complete opposite we all know if MJ became legalized, illegal traffic of it from outside the US would cease. They do not want to see the federal government eventually make MJ legal to buy, sell and grow, so they are making a big show before 'OUR' election. They have no interest in letting people know the truth. That is: drug lords in South America or wherever, would not make jack-squat of a profit, if a bunch of farmers in the US decided to grow MJ. MJ would become too commoditized, and the guns and bulletproof vests they mention in the article would go away. How many illegal traffickers do you read about who are buying guns and bulletproof vests to protect their shipments of corn? What about alcohol and cigarettes? They’re legalized. See guns and vest there? No, because they’re legal. Crack addicts break into you house to steal your stereo, so that they can buy more crack. Alcoholics, in a worst-case scenario, simply panhandle. It is the illegality of a substance that makes it dangerous to bystanders.

All you need to do is follow the money. The DEA will need less agents and eventually less money. They do not want that. They are protecting their budget, just like any other government agency. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if drug lords began tipping off local officials to small pieces of their operation, right before key elections. You think that sounds crazy? “Hmmm…Lets see, I could concede a few guys and some dope now, and lose a ‘bit’ of business. Or, do nothing, and eventually lose my ‘entire’ business. Hmm…what should I dooooo??” It’s pretty obvious. They operate just like any American corporation who eventually faces the RICO Act. Something they (cartels) don’t have to worry about.

Talk to your friends. Even the ones who are against initiative 44. If they say they are afraid legalizing MJ will put it into the hands of more kids, ask them this: “What was more difficult to get a hold of when you were a kid: alcohol & cigarettes or marijuana? Personally, I had a hell of a time getting a hold of alcohol relative to ‘ANY’ other illegal drug!! Don’t argue. Just give them your reasoning, smile, and leave it at that. Let them think about it, as we approach the election. The great thing about America is that your vote is anonymous. Those same people, despite what they have felt and believed forever, can change their mind in the voting booth. Their peers, whether right wing conservatives or even other police officers, will never know the better. They can do whatever they want when they are behind that curtain.

R

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Major marijuana ring busted, 38 indicted
written by: Chris Vanderveen 9NEWS Reporter
posted by: Jeffrey Wolf Web Producer
Created: - Updated:

DENVER - The DEA wanted to make sure no one doubted the scope of its investigation and it pointed to the salary of the organization's leader as proof.

Additional Resources...
Authorities announced the indictment of 38 people Thursday in the bust of a major marijuana ring. 9NEWS at 6 p.m. October 19, 2006.

"$150,000 a month, that's pretty good money for a 22 year old," said Jeffrey Sweetin, Special Agent for the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Thursday, the DEA and the Denver District Attorney's Office announced a massive indictment of 38 individuals by a Denver Grand Jury. Authorities believe the people took part in a large-scale marijuana distribution organization.

"These aren't people going to a house saying, 'Yeah, let me buy a couple of joints so I can go to the rock concert,'" said Sweetin.

Denver DA Mitch Morrissey called this "the biggest indictment in the history of the Denver District Attorney's Office."

Investigators say Thanh Hau, 22, was the organization's leader. Hau faces 59 counts related to drug trafficking. They say he ran his operation out of his house just a few blocks east of Bible Park in southeast Denver.

Sweetin says the indictments signal an end of his operation. "This group is gone. It's wiped out," he said.

Sweetin says the organization sold high-potency marijuana, and he estimates the marijuana could sell on the street for $3,000 to $4,000 a pound.

By Thursday afternoon, 25 of the 38 who had been indicted had been arrested.

Investigators say the group operated in much the same fashion as a legitimate and rather large business. Except, Sweetin says, its members operated in the drug world and often times turned to crime to keep the operation going.

"When you find guns and bulletproof vests (you know) they're not collectors. They're not collectors of police memorabilia. These are people who are willing to kill people to protect their business," said Sweetin.

Not everyone is ready to jump on the DEA bandwagon however.

Mason Tvert runs the campaign to pass Amendment 44. The amendment would legalize the limited possession of an ounce or less of marijuana.

Tvert says he is skeptical over the timing of the announcement.

"(The DEA) is doing everything they can to scare the voters into voting against a measure they may otherwise want to vote for," he said.

Tvert maintains alcohol is far more dangerous than marijuana and says Coloradoans should be able to choose between the two.

Sweetin dismisses Tvert's argument. He says he feels a passage of Amendment 44 would lead to an increase of drug-trafficking operations like the one his office just helped bust.