Latin America: Colombia's Uribe Seeks to Recriminalize Drug Possession
Drug possession has been legal in Colombia since 1994. But now, a teetotaling President Uribe wants to go back to the bad old days.
Drug Use
Presidential Politics: Both Major Party Tickets Include Former Drug Users
With the nomination of Sarah Palin as the Republican vice-presidential candidate, both major party tickets now include acknowledged former drug users. But there is little sign either party is going to do anything groundbreaking on drug policy reform.
Drug Use: Prescription Pills Up, Cocaine and Meth Down, Marijuana Holds Steady
The annual National Survey on Drug Use and Health is out. While some drugs are less popular than last year, others are more popular, and overall use levels remain largely unchanged.
Feature: Despite Harsh Drug Policies, US Leads in Cannabis, Cocaine Use, Global Survey Finds
An international survey covering 54,000 people in 17 countries representing all regions of the globe has found that the US leads the world in cannabis and cocaine use rate despite decades of harsh policies aimed at users. That strongly suggests harsh drug policies don't necessarily result in lower use rates, the researchers said.
Middle East: Iraq Becomes Key Conduit in Global Drug Trade
Instability fostered by the US invasion of Iraq in 2003 has led to the embattled country becoming a key conduit for Afghan opium to Europe and the Middle East. Drug use rates are rising, too.
Feature: Brazil Appeals Court Rules Drug Possession Not a Crime
A Brazilian appeals court in São Paulo has ruled that drug possession is not a crime. The ruling only applies to one case, but has set an important precedent.
Latin America: Argentine Court Decriminalizes Drug Possession in Buenos Aires
An Argentine federal appeals court has ruled that simple drug use or possession should not be a criminal offense and has thrown out thousands of pending possession cases. The country's high court could still overturn the ruling, but it is line with the position of the Argentine government.
Europe: Vatican Updates List of Deadly Sins, Adds Drug-Taking, Drug-Selling
The Vatican has issued a modern version of the "seven deadly sins," and selling and using drugs made the list.
Law Enforcement: Dallas Police to Accept Recruits With Past Drug Use
The Dallas police department will now hire applicants who admit to past hard drug use -- but only if it was more than 10 years, the applicant was under 21, he didn't shoot up, and he only did it once.
Feature: Latest Teen Drug Use Numbers Out -- White House Claims Success, Critics Say Not So Fast
The latest annual Monitoring the Future survey of teen drug use is out, and the Bush administration is claiming the numbers vindicate its anti-drug strategy. But a host of critics disagree.