DEA 'Cartel' Claims Lack Facts, Again

Federal Drug Enforcement Administration agents in Denver have a sordid history when it comes to providing actual data to back up their claims, and their most recent allegation that medical marijuana dispensaries in Colorado are being supplied by illegal cartels is no different.

In a truly stunning news story, lacking any kind of factual evidence, the Denver Post reports the following:

"Dispensaries are popping up like mushrooms," said DEA special agent-in-charge Jeffrey Sweetin. "Now we have thousands of 20- to 25-year-olds carrying cards. And the cartels are getting rich off this law."

Unfortunately, for the two journalists who penned the article, there is no actual evidence provided by federal officials to support such a serious claim, other than the word of DEA-chief Sweetin, who has a documented history of making false allegations.

One actually wonders if the reporters actually even bothered to ask for data, outside of the federal agent's experiences?

Over a year ago, Sweetin also claimed that a proposal passed by voters in Denver to legalize small amounts of marijuana for adults 21 years and older was causing an increase in organized crime. But when asked for evidence of such incidents, the DEA had nothing:

"I don't think there's any numbers I can give," said DEA media representative Mike Turner about the crime connection to legalization efforts. "It's just that the ongoing cases we're seeing I think reflect the fact that that's what's going on."

Despite a variety of views regarding medical marijuana in Colorado and the willingness of irresponsible reporters to publish claims unquestionably, there's no denying that an individual's personal views are based in the realm of opinion, not fact.

"Some" may believe that sun is made of macaroni, but that doesn't make it true, or worth writing about.

 

Follow Erin Rosa on Twitter: www.twitter.com/ErinRosa

Comments

[rdpuck]

Everybody that has a card has started growing, Just drop in to any of the new Hydro shops..They are booming also. I was just in one this week and I wasn't the only 55 year old in the shop. The Post has not done any research on this booming business in CO, Local people growing there own, Doesnt get much better then that

[stevebest]

i saw that story very funny out of one side of their mouth the claimed 6 plants was plenty now the other side is assuming the cartel is involved because there is no way they can meet demand on 6 plants. Its not just the dea with a history of baseless claims its also the denver post, nobody here in denver pays any attention to the post, they dont even print a paper any more so we have to line our birdcages with something else. I cant wait till the final nail is drivent into that coffin.

[Nicon]

caught that to. the Colorado 6 plant rule is only in place if you want an exemption to the law. if your willing to risk a medical necessity defense in court rather than an exemption, you can get 20 or more plants listed on your state card. This is for people who either dont smoke, or cant smoke and must use the cannabis in other ways. Either making a lotion, food product, pill ect.

[RevRayGreen]

who needs a mexican cartel when I could grow it right in my backyard?

[coloradocowboy]

This hatchet job done by Mcphee and Barbatelli is typical of what the Denver Post does to push an agenda. Their assignment editor sends these people( Mike Riely is the worst) out to write a story to move a perception to the right. They (editor and writers) do stories to discredit ANY issue the progressives support. Recently the went after Gov.Ritters travel expenses(witch turned out to be a none story) just to create a negative image of a Democrat. The Post has ,for the last two years, reports on "innuendo" and does not provide any data or facts to back the details of the story and do not provide any opposing views to the story so they can write a story that is misleading.

[unitron]

" "Some" may believe that sun is made of macaroni... "

Well, of course. You gotta have something to go with all that green cheese!