| June 10, 2005 #403 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Table of Contents
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THIS JUST IN (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
(1) SENATE OKs MEDICAL MARIJUANA BUT GOVERNOR SAYS HE WILL VETO BILL (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
PROVIDENCE - In a powerful show of support, the Senate Tuesday voted
34-2 to allow Rhode Islanders to smoke marijuana to ease the symptoms
of debilitating illnesses. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The vote came a day after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that federal laws against marijuana use trump states' medical marijuana laws. The decision overturned a 2003 federal appeal court ruling that California's medical marijuana law prevented federal law enforcement officials from prosecuting those with marijuana prescriptions. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Sponsored by Sen. Rhoda E. Perry, D-Providence, the legislation would
direct the Department of Health to issue licenses to patients diagnosed
with "a debilitating medical condition," including cancer, glaucoma,
AIDS, Hepatitis C, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease and Alzheimer's
disease. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
If the full House follows suit it will have to do so by a veto-proof margin since Gov. Donald L. Carcieri has vowed to veto the bill if it reaches his desk. Carcieri is taking no position on the medical benefits or health risks of smoking marijuana, his spokesman Jeff Neal said. The governor's objections are all on legal grounds, Neal said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"This would give Rhode Islanders a false sense of security, placing them
in jeopardy of federal prosecution," Neal said, noting the U.S. Supreme
Court's ruling Monday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(2) SCIENTISTS: INSECT WOULD KILL COCA CROPS (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BOGOTA,Colombia (AP) -- A group of Colombian scientists believe they've
found a way to wipe out cocaine production: unleash an army of hungry
moth caterpillars. But critics of the proposal say the chance for
"ecological mischief" is high. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The plan envisions breeding thousands of beige-colored Eloria Noyesi
moths in laboratories, packing them into boxes and releasing them into
steamy coca-growing regions of Colombia, the world's main supplier of
the drug. The moths, about twice the size of a fly, are native only to
the Andean region of South America. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Colombian Environment Minister Sandra Suarez told The Associated Press
that the government considers the proposal an "interesting alternative"
to existing eradication methods. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
But the idea has already drawn criticism. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ricardo Vargas, director of the Colombian environmental group Andean
Action, contended that while the moths may be native to this region,
there's nothing natural about releasing thousands of them into small
areas. The tropics have the world's most diverse plant life, he said, so
the moths would likely threaten other plants as well. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(3) FORMER CAMERON COUNTY SHERIFF, 4 OTHERS INDICTED (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BROWNSVILLE, Texas - An embattled former Cameron County sheriff was jailed Thursday on charges of leading a criminal enterprise while in office that included extortion, drug trafficking and witness tampering. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Former Sheriff Conrado Cantu is accused of receiving payments from known
drug traffickers in exchange for releasing sensitive law enforcement
information between January 2001 and December 2004, his term in office.
He also is accused of using his official powers to protect and assist
the drug traffickers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"It is a blow to honest law enforcement when one of its own is accused
of corrupting his office and abusing the public's trust," FBI San
Antonio Special Agent in Charge Patrick A. Patterson said in a
statement. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"He thinks that this is a witch hunt," Cantu's attorney, Alberto Pullen,
said after the hearing. "There is just not enough evidence to convict
him of all the charges." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Pullen described Cantu as frustrated and sad. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"It's no picnic spending a night in city jail," Pullen said of the former sheriff, who answered questions in court in a firm voice. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(4) POLICE CHIEF GUNNED DOWN ON 1ST DAY IN BORDER CITY (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
NUEVO LAREDO, Mexico -- Alejandro Dominguez was the only person brave enough to apply for the job of police chief of this lawless border city. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
He took office Wednesday afternoon, declaring he wasn't afraid of
anything. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Shortly after nightfall, he was dead, gunned down by assailants in this
city on the front line of a turf battle between Mexico's two main drug
gangs. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Councilman Joaquim Trevino called on President Vicente Fox to do more,
two months after the federal government sent in 700 soldiers and federal
agents. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
''The reality is that there isn't anyone who wants this job,'' he said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Only a few people ventured out into the streets, and a handful of
federal authorities made routine patrols. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
''We are defenseless,'' said Zorina Medrano, a lawyer interviewed at
City Hall. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Anyone taking the job risks life | ||||||||||||||||||||||
''It's obvious that the criminals are better organized. They sent the
national army, and even they weren't respected. Who else can we ask for
help,'' Medrano said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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WEEKLY NEWS IN REVIEW (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Domestic News- Policy | ||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMENT: (5-8) (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The media continues to sensationalize the Meth 'epedimic' and each
town, province, state and country claim they are the worst hit. U.S.
legislators have decided that restricting access to one of the many
ingredients will somehow solve the problem. West Virginia
implemented a tip line which has been flooded with anonymous calls,
led to many arrests and seemingly moved labs to neighboring
counties. Ontario, Canada would like to increase possession
penalties while a Manitoba Mountie sounds the alarm to increase
enforcement. Sadly, few call for factual education and sound
treatment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(5) GROWING SUPPORT FOR LAW TO RESTRICT SALE OF OVER-COUNTER (Top)MEDICINES USED TO MAKE METH | ||||||||||||||||||||||
WASHINGTON - The days of buying some cold remedies off the drug store shelf may soon be gone, a casualty of the methamphetamine epidemic. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Already more than a dozen states have laws that require retailers to
sell Sudafed, Nyquil and other medicines from behind the pharmacy
counter. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Now congress is working on legislation intended to make it tougher
for people to get the ingredients needed to manufacture the highly
addictive drug. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
This month, a Senate committee plans hearing on a bill that sharply
restricts the sale of cold and allergy pills containing | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(6) METH TIP LINE PAYS OFF (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
More than 1,000 tips have flooded the methamphetamine tip line for
Kanawha County. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
That means the automated recording service records a new tip on
suspected illegal drug activity in Kanawha County about once every
two hours. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The tips created an early torrent of busts soon after the tip line
was created March 1, as deputies seized meth-making materials and
made their presence known. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Some of those arrested in Kanawha County on drug charges have been
surfacing in other counties, Rutherford said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"If we make it hot here, they'll just go somewhere else," Rutherford said. "I think (the tip line) has made a huge difference." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(7) TOUGHER LAWS ON 'METH' URGED (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Crackdown Sought On Deadly Drug Mayors Pressed To Tackle Problem | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Officials in the West are grappling hard with meth: On June 10,
Saskatchewan Premier Lorne Calvert will host his three fellow
western premiers in Regina for a crystal meth summit meeting.
Fiacco, meanwhile, is pushing for an integrated national response to
meth in St. John's, Nfld. where the mayors of Canada's 22 big cities
are meeting at this weekend's annual conference of the Federation of
Canadian Municipalities. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Earlier this year, Fiacco opened his office to anyone seeking help
with meth, hoping to speed people like Pat into treatment as the
number of addicts swells in his city. Now, he wants the big city
mayors' caucus to adopt a motion calling on the federal government
to reclassify crystal meth under the Controlled Drugs and Substances
Act, making it subject to stiffer penalties. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Meth is classified as a Schedule 3 drug, the same as LSD and
ecstasy. Fiacco wants it to be designated Schedule 1. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(8) MOUNTIE SOUNDS ALARM ON CRYSTAL METH (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Urges Quick Action To Avert Epidemic | ||||||||||||||||||||||
MANITOBA'S growing problem with methamphetamines could quickly spiral out of control if law-enforcers and lawmakers don't act swiftly, one of the province's top RCMP officers warned yesterday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Chief Supt. Bill Robinson said Manitobans need only look to their
neighbours to the south to see just how devastating crystal meth
addiction can be. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"We're facing a dilemma here," Robinson said during a panel
discussion on meth at the fifth annual international legislators'
forum. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"I don't think we're at an epidemic proportion yet, but if we don't take action we're going to be hit with the wave -- it's coming." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Law Enforcement & Prisons | ||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMENT: (9-12) (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Waves of greed and revenge splash through the headlines of this
week's Law Enforcement section. Lucrative black market prices turned
a few good officers into drug dealers - including a former police
chief's son. An Alabama sheriff who sought revenge on an attorney
who kept setting his 'crooks' free may cost the taxpayors of that
state over $13 million dollars. Lastly, in the "would be funny if it
weren't true category", a McMeth burger was served up to an officer
by a friend of a friend. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(9) BILOXI OFFICER SOLD DRUGS, HAD ECSTASY, POLICE CHARGE (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
BILOXI - A veteran Biloxi police officer, the son of a former city
police chief, is accused of selling Ecstasy and having the illegal
drug in his beachfront home. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Darrell Cvitanovich Jr., 35, was in custody late Thursday in a
protective unit at the Harrison County Adult Detention Center after
his arrest. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The patrol and K-9 officer has worked at the Biloxi Police
Department for more than 10 years. Police officials have placed him
on administrative leave, said Capt. Pat Pope, commander of the
Coastal Narcotics Enforcement Team. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(10) DEPUTY FACES ON DRUG, GUN CHARGES (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Melinda Stewart Johnson allegedly bought marijuana in a sting
operation. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
SPRINGFIELD - An Effingham County Sheriff's deputy was indicted
Monday on felony drug and gun charges for allegedly buying marijuana
while on patrol in Guyton in March. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Melinda Stewart Johnson of Statesboro was indicted for possession
with intent to distribute marijuana and possession of a firearm
during the commission of a crime, both felonies, and a misdemeanor
count of possession of marijuana. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The indictments were handed down by the Effingham Grand Jury late
Monday and made public Tuesday morning, Superior Court deputy clerk
Leigh Hale said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Johnson was fired after her March 8 arrest and later was released
from Effingham Jail on $10,000 bond. She is scheduled for an
arraignment hearing on July 5 before Superior Court Judge William
Woodrum. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(11) ATTORNEY SUES CONECUH SHERIFF, FORMER INVESTIGATOR (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A Conecuh County attorney arrested on drug charges in 2003 last week
filed a federal lawsuit against the sheriff and a former
investigator seeking $13.5 million on claims they illegally tried to
entrap her and conspired to have her arrested and suspended from
practicing law. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
According to the lawsuit, the actions of the sheriff and former
investigator caused Stoddard to "suffer false arrest, interim
suspension of her license to practice law, loss of income, false
imprisonment, public humiliation and embarrassment." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Calls to Stoddard were not returned, but her attorney, Al
Pennington, said Stoddard chose to speak out. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"They essentially brought these charges knowing they were false,"
Pennington said. "They got Mrs. Stoddard prosecuted and they got her
suspended by the bar. They made allegations she used unprescribed
drugs. She has been dragged through the mud." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Pennington said Stoddard was targeted because she successfully
defended clients in drug cases made by Hawsey and Greene. District
Attorney Tommy Chapman said Wednesday he removed himself from the
case early on as is his practice when any local attorney or law
enforcement officer is accused of a crime. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(12) DESLOGE POLICE OFFICER GOT BURGER LACED WITH METHAMPHETAMINE (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
DESLOGE, Mo. -- The police officer's Quarter Pounder with Cheese
tasted a little funny, and for good reason: It was laced with
methamphetamine. The incident happened in December in Desloge, Mo.,
about 50 miles southwest of St. Louis, but was not made public until
Friday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In a statement from McDonald's, John McCook, who owns and operates the Desloge restaurant, said the chain is cooperating with the investigation. No charges have been filed, though Bullock said a young man who used to work at the restaurant is being scrutinized. That man's friends had trouble with the same officer years ago. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Cannabis & Hemp- | ||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMENT: (13-17) (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
It's no surprise that this week's hemp and cannabis section focuses
on the Supreme Court decision on the Raich/Monson case, but in
addition we also have big news from England, Holland and Canada. Our
first story is a comprehensive article from the Oakland Tribune on
Monday's Supreme Court's decision, featuring comments from Angel
Raich, MPP's Steve Fox, and California NORML's Dale Gieringer.
Second this week is a report that the Oregon Department of Human
Services has stopped issuing medicinal cannabis cards to applicants
to the state program while awaiting a legal opinion from the state's
attorney General. This is the first direct fall-out resulting from
Monday's court decision, and MPP has threatened to sue the state if
they attempt to permanently shut down the program. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Great news from Canada this week, where the city of Vancouver has released a new drug strategy position paper titled "Preventing Harm From Psychoactive Substance Use" that calls on the Canadian government to end the prohibition of cannabis so that it's sale can be taxed and controlled through licensed outlets. This is the most forward-thinking drug policy reform initiative by any North American city so far, and this document is sure to be the template for other municipalities wishing to replace the expensive failures of prohibition with a "public health" approach to substance use. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
And from Europe this week, Holland's Health Ministry has announced
that it will be reviewing its medicinal cannabis program and that it
may chose to terminate it due to poor participation and continuing
financial losses. Coffee shops, which offer a greater selection of
cannabis at around half the price of the federal program, have been
partially blamed for the failure of pharmacy-based distribution. In
other medicinal cannabis news, it appears that GW Pharmaceuticals
has failed in its bid to overturn a decision by Britain's Medicines
Commissioner calling for more clinical research before approving an
oral-mucosal cannabis spray called Sativex. News of the rejected
appeal will once again delay release of Sativex in the U.K. and E.U.
and has caused a sharp drop in the company's stock. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
This editor would like to profusely thank Angel, Dianne and the many
people who helped push their historic case all the way to the
Supreme Court. This is not just a legal battle, it's a battle of
public opinion; and so although this week may not have been a legal
victory, you have clearly won the minds and hearts of the press and
public alike. Keep up the good work. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(13) HIGH COURT SAYS 'NO' TO POT (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Ruling in Oaklander's Case Lets Feds Prosecute Medical Marijuana
Users; Advocates Turn to House | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Medical marijuana patients and providers can be arrested and
prosecuted under federal law, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled Monday,
effectively ending an Oakland woman's legal odyssey and moving the
issue from the courts to Congress. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The 6-3 decision essentially concluded that even marijuana grown in
back yards for personal medical use can affect or contribute to the
illegal interstate market for marijuana and therefore is within
Congress' constitutional reach. The dissenters - some of the court's
most conservative voices - said the majority is letting the federal
government overstep its proper bounds. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Medical marijuana advocates stressed Monday that the ruling doesn't
void California's or any other state's law; it merely reasserts
federal authority to enforce federal law in those states, which was
the status quo until late 2003. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(14) OREGON FREEZES MEDICAL POT PROGRAM (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Following Monday's U.S. Supreme Court ruling that federal
authorities may prosecute users of medical marijuana, the Oregon
Department of Human Services has halted issuance of medical
marijuana cards pending issuance of an opinion by the Oregon
Attorney General's Office. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In response, the Washington D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project, a marijuana advocacy organization, has threatened to sue the state. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Oregon is one of 10 states in which residents have voted in medical
marijuana programs. It was not immediately clear how the other
states will respond, but Oregon moved swiftly, taking a conservative
posture. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"We need to proceed cautiously until we understand the ramifications
of this ruling," said Dr. Grant Higginson, who oversees the Oregon
Medical Marijuana Program in his capacity as Oregon's public health
officer. "We have contacted the state attorney general to ask for a
formal legal opinion on how the court's ruling affects Oregon's
program." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(15) VANCOUVER TO PRESS OTTAWA TO LEGALIZE AND TAX MARIJUANA (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A City of Vancouver report backed by the mayor recommends Canada
legalize and regulate marijuana as part of a comprehensive
drug-abuse prevention strategy for everything from methamphetamine
production to alcoholism among seniors. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The marijuana recommendation, one of two dozen in the report being
released today, would allow people trying to prevent drug abuse to
talk to teenagers about it realistically, the way they do with
alcohol and cigarettes, and also limit dangerous use. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
It's a strategy that Vancouver Mayor Larry Campbell endorses
wholeheartedly, saying it's preferable to decriminalization, which
imposes a fine instead of a criminal charge for use, but doesn't
address the issue of supply. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"I think the decriminalization doesn't do anybody any good. It sends
the message that it's okay, but that it's a crime to obtain it." He
says if marijuana were legalized, the community could benefit by
being able to tax production. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(16) GOVT LOSING MONEY ON CANNABIS SALES (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The Dutch Health Ministry, unhappy with legal sales of medical
marijuana through pharmacies, will reevaluate its program later this
year and may close it, a spokesman said Monday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In a country where unauthorized marijuana has been easily available
for decades, the government was surprised to find that prescription
marijuana produced under stringent quality controls has been far
less successful than predicted, said Health Ministry spokesman Bas
Kuik. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The Dutch were considering their reassessment as the U.S. Supreme
Court ruled Monday that users of medical marijuana could be
prosecuted under federal law even if their doctors had prescribed it
legally according to state law. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(17) GW PHARMA LOSES UK APPEAL ON CANNABIS DRUG-REPORT (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
GW Pharmaceuticals Plc (GWP.L: Quote, Profile, Research) has lost an
appeal to be allowed to market its cannabis therapy Sativex without
having to do additional clinical trials, according to a report
published on Monday. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Online medical news agency Agence de Presse Medical (APM)
(www.apmnews.com), citing an unidentified government source, said
Britain's Medicines Commission had heard an appeal by the firm two
weeks ago and rejected its case. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Although Sativex is approved in Canada for the relief of neuropathic
pain in multiple sclerosis, UK officials said in December they
wanted more evidence about its efficacy when used to relieve
spasticity. This triggered the appeal by GW Pharma to the
commission. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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International News | ||||||||||||||||||||||
COMMENT: (18-22) (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Philippine prohibition death squads in Davao City continue to kill
drug suspects and former drug arrestees with impunity. Davao City
Mayor Rodrigo Duterte, who has boasted of his support for the death
squads many times in the past, reiterated his support last week for
the extralegal killings. "What else do you do with fish but fry
them?" crowed the mayor. The all-knowing mayor Duterte even taunted
relatives of those urdered by death squads, "Tell me who those
killed and who have disappeared are and I will tell you why they
were killed." Hinting he knows the killers, the mayor declared, "as
to who killed them, I no longer know." In Davao City this year
alone, over 100 drug suspects and former drug arrestees have been
murdered by death squads. Still, the mayor this week urged police to
"fish" even more zealously. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Meanwhile in the Philippines, top prohibitionists are fuming mad
over U.S. and international reports that condemn the Philippines as
exporters of cannabis. The Philippines are also a transit point for
meth and heroin, according to the 2005 edition of the CIA's
International Factbook. The reports did not mention blatant
violations of human rights regularly committed by prohibitionist
death squads there. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In Montreal, Canada, a second North American heroin trial is about
to begin, and researchers are trying to recruit heroin addicts to
fill the 80 slots available. Only current heroin users who have
tried methadone treatment more than once already are eligible.
Similar trials in Europe curbed both drug use and crime, and
improved addicts' health. A heroin trial beginning in Vancouver,
Canada, is having trouble recruiting enough addicts for a heroin
study there. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(18) BIKE-RIDING GUNMEN KILL 3 MORE IN 12 HOURS (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
THREE more fell from the hands of motorcycle-riding gunmen in Davao City, raising the number of victims of the vigilante-style killings in the city to 101 for this year alone and 11 this month. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Police said Perkins had been in and out of the Sasa police and
Bunawan police precincts for various crimes. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Perkins was a resident of Bunawan before. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"Involved ni siya'g mga panunggab, drugs ug sa gang (He is involved
in stabbing incidents, drugs and gang)," said Sasa police
investigator Police Officer 3 Alfredo Heliane. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
First to fall 12 hours earlier was a taxicab driver, reportedly a
drug surrenderee, identified as one Joel Quimco, 35, of Nagsil
Village in Barangay Centro, Agdao. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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(19) 'FISH FOR CRIMINALS,' MAYOR TELLS POLICE (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
IT'S open season for "fishing for criminals" in Davao City as Mayor
Rodrigo R. Duterte told the police to slowly pick off criminals
victimizing innocent civilians especially students. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Asked what would be done to those "fished", Duterte said, "What else
do you do with fish but fry them." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The mayor identified the areas of Matina Aplaya, Santo Nino also in
Matina and Quezon Boulevard downtown as the areas where criminals
usually hide in. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Meanwhile, Duterte challenged anyone whose relatives or friends were
believed killed by the Davao Death Squad to tell him of the slain
person's innocence and he will prove to them otherwise. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Duterte was visibly irked by the alleged white paper circulating in
the city branding him as a merciless killer. The white paper
reportedly warned of an uprising if the summary executions in the
city continue unabated. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"Tell me who those killed and who have disappeared are and I will
tell you why they were killed. But as to who killed them, I no
longer know," Duterte said. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
(20) AVENIDO CONDEMNS U.S. REPORT RP EXPORTER OF MARIJUANA | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Director General Anselmo Avenido Jr. yesterday strongly condemned recent newspaper reports quoting two agencies of the United States government as saying the Philippines is an exporter of marijuana and hashish and a transit point for heroin and methamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In their reports, the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) World Fact
Book 2005 and the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law
Enforcement Affairs (BINLEA) International Narcotics Strategy Report
2005 claimed the Philippines is an exporter of marijuana and hashish
to various parts of the world. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
(21) HARD-CORE HEROIN ADDICTS TO TAKE PART IN YEAR-LONG STUDY (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The sparkling clean room is painted a cheerful mango and is furnished with several bright blue chairs, each facing a cubicle backed by a mirror. All that's missing are the heroin addicts. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Soon, 80 hard-core users for whom the traditional methadone treatment hasn't worked, will head to the former hospital at the corner of Prince Arthur and St. Urbain Sts., sit in a cubicle and shoot up for free, up to three times a day, seven days a week. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Another 80 users will go to a pharmacy to take methadone orally and
report to the clinic once a month. They'll be assigned randomly, and
at the end of the year-long study, researchers will compare which
group fared best. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The idea is to help addicts stabilize their addiction so they can
get other aspects of their lives back on track, said Suzanne
Brissette, one of the directors of the project. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Similar studies have been done in Switzerland, the Netherlands and Germany, They have resulted in a drop in drug use and crime, and improved physical and mental health, and employment prospects. There was no negative impact on the community, according to Brissette. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Researchers will recruit chronic users who have been injecting for a long time and who have tried methadone treatment at least twice. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
[snip] | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| ||||||||||||||||||||||
HOT OFF THE 'NET (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
GONZALES V. RAICH SUPREME COURT DECISION | ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://www.angeljustice.org/downloads/Gonzales%20v%20Raich%20Supreme%20Court%20Decision.pdf | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
THE COMPASSION DRUG | ||||||||||||||||||||||
By Steph Sherer | ||||||||||||||||||||||
June 10, 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Steph Sherer is a medical marijuana patient and the founder and
executive director of Americans for Safe Access, the nation?s largest
coalition of patients, doctors and advocates fighting for safe and legal access to
medical marijuana. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://www.tompaine.com/articles/20050610/the_compassion_drug.php | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
PAIN MAN | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A political animation by Mark Fiore | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
PREVENTING HARM FROM PSYCHOACTIVE SUBSTANCE USE | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A draft report that outlines the need for a comprehensive drug
use prevention strategy for Vancouver and the importance of
locally-based strategies for prevention. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Read the Draft Plan | ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://vancouver.ca/fourpillars/pdf/preventingharm_report.pdf | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Read the Council Report | ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://vancouver.ca/ctyclerk/cclerk/20050614/documents/rr1-complete.pdf | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
MEDICAL MARIJUANA SUPREME COURT DECISION | ||||||||||||||||||||||
A Chat With Angel Raich | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Monday, June 6, 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
CULTURAL BAGGAGE RADIO SHOW | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
Last : 06/03/05 - Sanho Tree dissects the drug war | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
LISTEN Live Fridays 8:00 PM, ET, 7:00 CT, 6:00 MT & 5:00 PT
at www.KPFT.org | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
In Wake of Supreme Court Ruling, Dozens of Newspaper Editorials
Nationwide call on Legislators To Support Federal Amendment to
Protect Medical Marijuana Patients | ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://www.drugpolicy.org/news/pressroom/pressrelease/pr060905.cfm | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
NO CLAUSE FOR CELEBRATION | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Flush that commerce, it's the feds! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
By Jacob Sullum | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
MONTEL WILLIAMS ON THE US SUPREME COURT MEDICAL MARIJUANA DECISION | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
LETTER OF THE WEEK (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
FIX THE ROCKEFELLER DRUG LAWS, ROCKEFELLERS SAY | ||||||||||||||||||||||
By Clay Rockefeller | ||||||||||||||||||||||
To the Editor: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
I write on behalf of 37 other direct descendants of Nelson A. Rockefeller. Thirty-two years ago, as governor of New York, he signed what have become known as the Rockefeller drug laws. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
As members of the Rockefeller family, we are proud to be associated
with so many of the legacies of Governor Rockefeller, who dedicated
his life to serving the people of New York and the country. The laws
he put into place 32 years ago were meant to combat the destructive
forces of drug abuse and the drug trade. Unfortunately, these laws
have proved extremely costly and have not produced the desired
results. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
We are confident that if Governor Rockefeller were alive today and
privy to the data that now exist, he would agree that three
immediate reforms are desperately needed: first, ending mandatory
minimum sentences; second, ending weight-based sentencing for drug
crimes, with judicial focus on punishing drug kingpins; and third,
providing financing for alternatives to incarceration. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
New York legislators have begun to reform these anachronistic and
counterproductive drug laws. They now need to complete what they
have started. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Clay Rockefeller | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Providence, R.I., May 22, 2005 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
LETTER WRITER OF THE MONTH - MAY (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
DrugSense recognizes Chris Buors of Winnipeg, Manitoba for having 23
of his letters published during April. Chris is being recognized for
the third year as can be seen here | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
FEATURE ARTICLE (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVE! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
by Richard Lake | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The U.S. Supreme Court Puts the Medical Marijuana Issue in Congress'
Court. Urge Your Member of Congress to Vote for the Hinchey-Rohrabacher
Medical Marijuana Amendment! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
In response to this week's Supreme Court ruling granting the Justice
Department the authority to prosecute state-authorized medicinal
cannabis patients for violating the federal Controlled Substances Act,
members of the U.S. House of Representatives may vote as early as next
Tuesday, June 14th, on an amendment to bar the U.S. Department of
Justice (DOJ) from prosecuting patients who use medical cannabis in
compliance with state laws. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Citizens in nine states and the District of Columbia have voted to protect patients afflicted with HIV/AIDS, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and other horrible diseases from arrest and prison, and three states have enacted medical marijuana laws through their state legislatures. National polls consistently show that around 70% of Americans support medical marijuana access for seriously ill patients. Yet, sadly, the federal government continues to raid and arrest these patients. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
This important bi-partisan provision, scheduled to be introduced Tuesday by Reps. Maurice Hinchey (D-NY) and Dana Rohrabacher (R-NY) as an amendment to the 2005 Justice Department appropriations bill, would prohibit the DOJ and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) from spending taxpayers' dollars for the purpose of pursuing "any criminal or civil penalty or remedy against any person for the production, distribution, or use of marijuana for medicinal purposes in a state that authorizes that production, distribution, or use." | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Writing for the Court's majority, Supreme Court Justice John Paul
Stevens said that he longs for the day when medicinal cannabis advocates
"may be heard in the halls of Congress." The 2005 Hinchey/Rohrabacher
medical marijuana amendment does just that -- giving Congress the
opportunity to go on record to protect and support the health and safety
of patients who use cannabis therapeutically in compliance with the laws
of their state. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Please call and/or e-mail your member of the U.S. House Representatives
today and ask them to vote "yes" in favor of the Hinchey/Rohrabacher
medical marijuana amendment. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The following organizations have on line services to assist you in
contacting your representative. Select the service, please, that best
meets your needs, and act today: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The Drug Policy Alliance: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://actioncenter.drugpolicy.org/action/index.asp?step=2&item=25197&ms=hp | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The Marijuana Policy Project: | ||||||||||||||||||||||
The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws | ||||||||||||||||||||||
http://capwiz.com/norml2/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7309441 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
QUOTE OF THE WEEK (Top) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
"If Congress can regulate this under the Commerce Clause, then it can regulate virtually anything - and the federal government is no longer one of limited and enumerated powers." - Justice Clarence Thomas | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||||
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Policy and Law Enforcement/Prison content selection and analysis by
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analysis by Philippe Lucas (), International
content selection and analysis by Doug Snead (),
Layout by Matt Elrod () | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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