Ninety percent of drug arrests in the state of Texas are for possession, not for more serious felony offenses like sale of distribution. And this, the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition says, bolsters their argument that the state needs to continue to invest in treatment programs rather than sinking money into prisons that do nothing but exacerbate drug problems. [Read more…]
Mexican-Style Pot Farming Gaining Ground in Texas
With little more than a tent and some food, a hired farmer can sleep among the towering pot plants on a farm in Texas, or Mexico, without being detected. These farms, which often cover large swaths of land, are being found more and more on this side of the border, where cartels don’t have to worry about crossing over to bring their goods to eager American customers. [Read more…]
Houston Cops Accused of Using Sirens, Lights, and Badges to Steal Drugs
Two Houston police officers are facing serious drug charges after using their positions within the department to steal drugs from at least one person—and that person happened to be an undercover cop. [Read more…]
Prescription Drug War Seizes Innocent Woman
In the war on drugs, it often seems that the police are operating on an “arrest now, ask questions later” policy. It certainly appears that’s what happened in the case of Dallas resident Anne Lenhart, who was arrested for trying to fill her pain medication refill at a local CVS. [Read more…]
Doctor Accepts Plea Deal in Son’s Prescription Drug Death
A 63-year old former emergency room doctor has reached a plea deal with federal prosecutors in a case which left his son dead of a prescription drug overdose. The details of the deal have been sealed, according to the Houston Chronicle, but he is said to face up to 15 years in prison for the charges against him. [Read more…]
Houston Area Pill Mills Thrive Despite Law
A state law went into effect last year requiring “Pain clinics” to register with the state and be inspected by the Texas Medical Board if half of their patients received prescriptions for controlled substances. Some clinics are getting around this new law by simply calling themselves something other than a pain clinic. [Read more…]
Harris County Stops Prosecuting Crack Possession, Peeves Cops
If you are caught with less than one gram of crack-cocaine, it is a crime. But if you are caught in Harris County, you’ll likely be let off with nothing more than a stern warning and a dirty look from the police. This is because Harris County District Attorney Pat Lykos has stopped prosecuting for such offenses, an action that has the police up in arms. [Read more…]
Texas Drug Traffickers Using Innocents to Mule Their Goods
“This has been going on as long as there has been smuggling,” says Houston attorney Norm Silverman. He’s talking about the use of unsuspecting, innocent people by drug traffickers to transport their goods, either across the Mexican border or throughout the state of Texas. “If you are a drug trafficking organization, there is no more effective means you can use than have a person be an unwitting courier” he said. “They won’t have any signs of nervousness because they simply don’t know.” [Read more…]
Texas Drug Homes Torn Down By National Guard
This month, the Texas National Guard is moving into Dallas. They’ll be tearing down a series of abandoned homes and buildings that have known drug ties. While they’ve torn down a reported 1,200 structures in the state, this will be the first time they’ve brought the program to Dallas. [Read more…]
New Laws May Be Slowing Prescription Drug Trade
New laws aimed at slowing the rate of prescription drug overdoses and the illegal drug trade may already be having a fairly significant effect. These new laws first took effect on September 1, only two months ago. But the Houston Chronicle is already reporting improvements. [Read more…]
