Santiago Papasquiaro, site of Saturday's firefight
Mexico Drug War Update
The death toll in Ciudad Juarez this year is over 1,800 so far, meaning 2010 is on pace to be another record year for murder there. And that's just Juarez.
Police Raids
never forget
Atlanta Pays $4.9 Million for Kathryn Johnston Botched Drug Raid Killing
When you gun down an old lady on a bogus warrant, then plant pot at the scene to cover your misdeeds, you're a bad cop indeed. Now, Atlanta is paying for some of its bad cops.
Grandmother's Death in Botched Drug Raid Leads to $4.9 Million Settlement
The 2006 killing of Kathryn Johnston gave the American public a window into the rampant incompetence and needless violence that so often characterizes modern drug enforcement. A massive settlement announced today will hopefully serve as a vivid reminder to police that dirty tactics can carry a heavy price.
Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- The city of Atlanta will pay $4.9 million to the family of Kathryn Johnston, a 92-year-old woman killed in a botched November 2006 drug raid, Mayor Kasim Reed's office announced Monday.
Johnston was shot to death by narcotics officers conducting a "no-knock" warrant. Investigators later determined the raid was based on falsified paperwork stating that illegal drugs were present in the home.
In the four years since Johnston's death, we've seen equally dramatic national controversies emerge from Berwyn Heights, MD and Columbia, MO, as well as countless other disturbing events that for whatever reason failed to generate national outrage. I can only imagine that the next great drug raid fiasco is just around the corner. Until the drug war is brought to an end, the loss of innocent lives will continue and the cost of cleaning up the mess will fall on every one of us.
Family of Woman Killed in Botched Drug Raid to Receive $4.9 Million
The city of Atlanta will pay $4.9 million to the family of Kathryn Johnston, a 92-year-old woman killed in a botched November 2006 drug raid. Johnston was shot to death by narcotics officers conducting a "no-knock" warrant. Investigators determined the raid was based on falsified paperwork stating that illegal drugs were present in the home.
Drug Raid: Oregon Utility Official Files Excessive Force Suit
An Oregon utility official, Eugene Water & Electric Board Commissioner JoAnn Ernst, has filed a federal lawsuit claiming that Eugene police used excessive force and violated her civil rights during a 2009 drug raid. The lawsuit claims the family was traumatized by "black-clad officers in riot gear screaming orders" and says Ernst's daughters are still afraid to sleep in their room.
Mexico Drug War Update
Thousands of journalists marched in Mexico City to protest the killing, intimidation and harassment of journalists in the drug wars. Meanwhile the rivers of blood keep flowing, with no end in sight.
better late than never: Pres. Calderon now supports discussing legalization
Mexico Drug War Update
After a presidency most notable for the ever-rising death toll in his war with the cartels, Mexican President Calderon is starting to sing a different tune.
DEA "wanted" poster with members of Arellano Felix cartel
Mexico Drug War Update
It seems like there's a new atrocity every week in Mexico's unending prohibition-related violence. How about guards letting prisoners out of their cells so they can go murder people, then go back to the safety of prison?
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Coalition Calls on Obama to Withdraw Michele Leonhart DEA Nomination
Drug reformers have been grumbling about the Obama administration's decision to nominate acting DEA head Michele Leonhart to be permanent DEA administrator since it was announced. Now, a drug reform coalition is calling on Obama to withdraw her nomination, citing recent DEA raids on medical marijuana providers. But there's more than that.
Do you agree?
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