How Drug Gangs Actually Work | How Crime Works | Insider

[@danieldelavega7605]

In college, my weed dealer was a friend of a friend who had formerly been an electrician selling weed on the side just to friends and stuff, but then he got arrested for it and went to prison for I think two years. After that, he could no longer get a job as an electrician, so he started selling weed full time. The system in action!

[@TGears314]

Haha yup that’s happens often for sure

[@TheLegitAlpha]

Honestly, I’m all on board for legalization.

[@adanjuarezjr5135]

Exactly not a lot of people understand the system is corrupt, you’re meant to stay stuck in that vicious cycle

[@spraynard9529]

@@rossjobe3787 I’m pretty sure the point is that we’re told the system is supposed to cut down on drug crimes but their anecdote is about how it actually does the opposite. It’s a bad system if getting caught can lead you to commit more crime. Especially when the thing you get caught for is basically harmless.

[@spraynard9529]

@@rossjobe3787 but the thing is we know that this way we currently do things doesn’t really stop people from making these decisions and it doesn’t seem to prevent repeat offenses. In fact it often seems to lead to more of them. Personal accountability isn’t what’s in question here. It’s about how we spend absurd amounts of money to “get drugs off the street” despite the fact that all we’re doing is making the situation worse. You’re stating the obvious point that breaking laws has consequences but that doesn’t refute anything that’s being said here. The system isn’t bad because people generally face consequences for breaking the law and getting caught. It’s bad because it doesn’t do what it’s supposed to do.

[@rottenfruit7833]

This was a man who saw a problem, wanted to solve it, figured out the true root of the problem, and is still trying futilely to stop it in spite of everything. The level of dedication and self awareness Neil has put forth really is something to aspire to and I hope he knows this.

[@PhilLesh69]

You would think if anyone understood what the true purpose of any drug war is, it would be a royal subject of the empire which once waged a war with China over the right to sell opium from the east India company in China.

[@PhilLesh69]

Sorry. Waged *_TWO_* wars over the right to sell opium.

[@John316forjesus]

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God the rightousness of God is available through faith in Jesus Christ. there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgivness of sins according to the riches of His grace.

[@kwokalisaur]

I agree - he is an actual hero. But I don't know about it being a futile effort. The world is starting to make progress in understanding the nature of drug harm, and realising it's the War On Drugs that's truly futile. Portugal has decriminalised illicit use of drugs..

[@CreativeInspireP380]

@@kwokalisaur The war on drugs was never a futile attempt - the ones who pushed to most for it got exactly what they wanted: more budget allocated to national security and security/military materielle. The positive way of thinking about this is that, at least, we're all quite a bit more aware of how some parts of most governments operate and how we all need to re-evaluate our collective stance on drugs, drug abuse and drug consumers/abusers. Portugal, amongst others such as the Netherlands, has achieved enormous success in minimizing the fallout of their opiod epidemic. A lot more needs to be done, however. Sex workers were mentioned in the video: they are the most fragile and vulnerable category out there that is also most at risk of being forcibly turned into a drug abuser. They are also one of the most likely categories to not seek assistance from friends, family and social workers. A lot more needs to be done to get people like sex workers back into the "light" (not intended in a religious sense) and reassured that they, too, deserve to be treated as human beings, to be respected and to be given assistance. So long as groups of people are forced to remain so vulnerable, we will never be able to get out of this mess.

[@Omgacow1000]

This guy is amazing. I have never heard cop be so blatantly honest about how pointless the war on drugs is

[@dewinmoonl]

i mean most cop are just salary man like you and me, they do their "job" w/o questioning it, go home and pay their rent. but some, like this one, is passionate about his work. he will bring change.

[@seanmcdonald1111]

The Wire is one of the best shows ever syndicated. Created by a former homicide detective and a police reporter, it examines how destructive the war on drugs is in depth.

[@PhilLesh69]

They learned nothing from their *_two_* opium wars, sadly.

[@LuloHCF]

Education and legalisation is the only way

[@WLHS]

He forgot to mention the actual number of his people running the worlds drugs.

[@mistyaqua]

I read his book and was on my edge of my seat for the whole thing. Read it in one go. He goes into detail about some of the cases he worked. Highly recommend.

[@tibettenballs4962]

Okay. So this guy used to blow me and other thugs in the back alley. We all got arrested after trusting him with the qumm-bag. Baldie literally gulped it in front of us, then we were raided.

[@kizzjd9578]

@@tibettenballs4962 wot

[@kanegarvey848]

@@tibettenballs4962 probably "under covers" with him a few times

[@ellied6687]

@@tibettenballs4962 great wording on that second sentence

[@YoYo-rz2qg]

​@@tibettenballs4962woods the puds

[@nischhalagrawal9877]

He is so calm, yet you can sense that he has some terrible memories. I admire this man.

[@TechnoYacy]

185 likes no comments dam guys.

[@christianpalmer5471]

Not being a hater. But I think he's just a scholar on the subject so no bad memories. Lol

[@Addictedtocollecting01]

@@christianpalmer5471 he literally said he was undercover for some time. Dealing with murderers..

[@stefanhoimes]

@Money Man have you ever been to Kensington in Philadelphia? Really nice neighbors (no sarcasm -- they were)... But oh my was that a potentially life-threatening couple of months I lived there. My nextdoor neighbor was a 93 year old great-grandmother who sold crack and fentanyl from her stoop because her "useless children and grandchildren ain't paying the damn bills". And there were multiple stabbings on her stoop in the 7 months I lived there, most in broad daylight. This town looks like a playground compared to Kensington.

[@Salted_Fysh]

@@christianpalmer5471 he was undercover in multiple gangs for years of his life. He has plenty of bad memories. Though I imagine you'll figure that out as you watch the video.

[@wittoist]

Imagine going in with good intentions and realising all you've done is made it worse. You can tell that weighs heavy on him.

[@TGears314]

@Ryan Alex as I think most people do if they look at the evidence (Aka the decades of history, the countries that decriminalize like portugal vs ones that make it harder like Sweden)

[@DanishCamp]

@Ryan Alex the gangs are doing the war on each other

[@SpeakerWiggin49]

@@DanishCamp Yes, the state trying to crush the drug market is pointless when this system of criminal action is unsustainable. The clashes would continue to weaken each gang while the demand goes to the proposed legal market.

[@DanishCamp]

@@SpeakerWiggin49 and how would it be any different if it was legal?

[@SpeakerWiggin49]

@@DanishCamp Eventually the gang activity would die out. That is if investment of those tax dollars addresses the addiction issue. Unfortunately even in places with legal weed the dealers are making bank just by selling cheaper crap.

[@russ9921]

50 years ago I sat at a dinner next to the late Lord Edmund-Davies, one of the most senior judges in the UK. For years he’d been advocating ‘legalise the lot and destroy the dealers’ profits’. He told me while there’d be some uptick in users, it wouldn’t be big and the resources freed up to treat addiction due to the fall in drug-related crime and policing costs would be enormous. The politicians wouldn’t listen to him then. They still don’t now.

[@chrisparker5796]

Spot on.

[@davidbillyard6629]

Police, politicians and local authorities are easily bought and paid for.

[@hitmankiller123]

Unfortunately they have to much to gain from keeping it going jobs in prisons/police/parole officers/judges/lawyers/social workers/doctors etc etc as well as funding there private ventures, as an ex addict it makes me sick the war has done nothing for the people afflicted by addiction and drug use is always on the rise as are drug deaths

[@sinephase]

You have to keep in mind the way that the US sanctions countries that don't make laws that they want, which was one (is?) of the hurdles for marijuana legalization outside of the US, particularly in Canada and Mexico. It took many states to do it first before other countries were even comfortable to legalize or decriminalize it.

[@sinephase]

@Ollie Haynes if you don't think it is affected by trade issues you're kidding yourself

[@patrickharrison4763]

He explained it so well and also shows exactly why the War on Drugs will never stop. It's a beautiful and never-ending supply for private prisons to keep getting inmates and money. The fines and lawyer fees also create industry and on and on.

[@AP_in_SC]

Private prisons don’t exist in the US.

[@Atlas018]

Sounds like military industrial complex, too.

[@DG-iw3yw]

Also simply keeps the prices and demand for the drugs high

[@littoww]

Currently recovering from 4 years of heroin addiction. I would not want to see how much money I've spent on skag in the last 4 years. It would break me to know how much I've given to dealers. When he said "one and one". That took me back. That's exactly what I'd say to my dealer. Usually 1 and 3. One crack 3 heroin. That was my usual daily buy. I'd repeat those words countless times. Some dealers are better than others.i actually asked my main guy to stop serving me because I wanted to quit. And he did. He really did. I almost gave in one day and rung him up for 3 and 3. And he refused. That's £70 he could of got from me but he kept to his word. So I need to respect that

[@ham3th]

Good recovery man

[@brunor.2895]

Respects for having overcomed that

[@alexsho5734]

That’s part of step 1 brotha. It might be hard but If u wanna be clean for the rest of your life u gotta work the 12 steps

[@charliesheen111]

and here i am 23 years old, lost a job, broke up with girlfriend and lowkey depressed wondering which drug to start using to help me go trought it..

[@littoww]

@@charliesheen111 do not do heroin. Don't even smoke it. That's how I, and most people started. Smoke weed if you need to use something. Whatever happens don't develop a habit from heroin, coke/crack, alcohol and meth. Those are the ones to avoid. But really, you need to look inwards and find the reason you want to do drugs and distract yourself, that's what I'm currently going through and its not simple and doesn't come easy. Doing drugs is just borrowing pleasure/happiness, and you soon rack up a big debt.

[@cthoadmin7458]

His most extraordinary statement must have been “we interrupted the market for a full 2 hours”. Guess the supply will stop when the demand does.

[@SpeakerWiggin49]

The whole point of the video is that demand will never go away.

[@JinKee]

@@bastiboyza you need to create a world where more people have quality lives where productive work is more rewarding than any high. good luck.

[@lubb213]

@@bastiboyza Rehab doesnt address demand from most users, it addresses demand of habitual addicts which make up less than half of the "hard" drug using population (varies from drug to drug as well, obviously).

[@bastiboyza]

@@JinKee I don't need your luck

[@bastiboyza]

@@lubb213 mandatory rehab

[@Salted_Fysh]

I think it must be a heart-shattering moment to realize that all your hard work, your constant fear of violence, your constant contact with the victimized, the extended interaction with some of the worst human beings on this planet over months was, in the end, only worth 2 hours of peace before someone even worse took over. That all your previous work had only made everything worse. All the years of his life and the immense psychological pressure that this man has sacrificed for his work only to realize it was all pointless is heartbreaking.

[@imho2278]

He was getting a bit shaky at that point...

[@hajitwilight7455]

I believe the drugs heads are working on officials.

[@looweegee252]

People fear violence? What a waste of energy

[@rickkcir2151]

I wouldn’t say it’s for nothing. It sucks cause like he said, you put one away others are going to clamber to get their territory. But it still has to be done, there will always be people willing to push contraband cause they’ll see the rewards being worth the risk, and they’ll always be a market for it. But cops still have to work to put them away, cause letting them do whatever is far worse.

[@ExoticMerle]

@@rickkcir2151, that’s why he’s arguing for the full regulation of all drug markets. You make them not contraband. He’s saying that the pressure of drug policing contributes to and exacerbates the violence.

[@chaislaw5014]

Kudos to this man for seeing the truth of the issue and being brave enough to stand up in direct opposition to his peers. I have no doubt he has caused some upset in the field . I also don't doubt that he has made himself very unpopular, takes courage to speak out in the face of almost absolute opposition.

[@Dribin]

Something actually really good from insider, this definitely deserves millions of views.

[@onemadhungrynomad]

one of their better pieces they have ever done for sure.

[@daebak7370]

The age of grace aka church age is soon coming to an end. New world order led by obama and pope francis is coming. Jesus christ is coming back for the rapture. Get ready. Dont believe the coming ufo alien abduction narrative

[@originalunoriginal4055]

@@daebak7370 Obama is no longer president. Wake up buddy, living under a rock probably you are!!!

[@imorokr]

"We advocate for the full regulation of all the drug markets to take control away from organized crime." That's a much better way to say you support the legalization of all drugs than I've ever come up with.

[@llambalover011]

The saying is, if you can't stop it, tax it honestly

[@dmtripreport8542]

Funny thing is, because of the dark web and unlimited access, I ended up quitting lots of the drugs I was doing. So much of the high was in the hunt, the thrill, the threat of violence. Weird

[@tarquin161234]

@@Anthonydu01630 Provide a link please

[@Dongonzales123]

@@dmtripreport8542 that is very interesting. So you were/are not actually addicted to the drugs themselves, but rather to the thrill of obtaining them? It's crazy how we humans work sometimes. Do you also enjoy thrilling Activites like bungee or extreme sports and stuff?

[@bogo-g2363]

@@Dongonzales123 yes he does

[@thewhitewolf58]

Even the undercover cop said the drug war is useless

[@olafwilhelm4684]

The drug war was never ment to be won but to create government monopolies of various kinds. Organised crime is also called government.

[@thewhitewolf58]

@@olafwilhelm4684 yeah true. Only real way i could see the drug war won is getting all the big mafias out at once. And once that logistical nightmare is done watch either. A the users sell their stashes at inflated prices and become mini drug lords. Or b the nearest mafias hear of open space and trip over each other to setup shop. Only way to end the drug wars is to cut the demand by educating people, putting them in rehab and getting them out of poverty. True ending poverty wont completely stop the drug trade but it will slow it down to a bored middle and rich class.

[@SirGrimothy]

@@thewhitewolf58 even if they did get the mafia's and gangs out just look at pharmacies and pharmaceutical companies that caused the opioid epidemic

[@missesmew]

@@SirGrimothy lol, yeah that’s not even mentioned. The opioid addiction was completely started by the government. In Canada, the doctors were pushing OxyContin for everyone. Then in a big show, after everyone was hooked. They cut them off, heroin was there to fill the gap. And the snowball started. Fentanyl, carofentanyl . And no money for rehabilitation. See how long it takes for someone who wants to quit to receive any rehab. They want you to quit trying. I believe it is all part of a plan to get rid of population. All the while making money along the way. People will always need to get high. It’ll never ever stop.

[@rorydonaldson2794]

You beat me to it. I was going to say even a cop, a British one at that has openly said the war on drugs does more harm than good. Guess SOAD had a solid point to their lyrics in prison song

[@navinsoni806]

This is a man who has actually grinded on the streets. I mean he uses terms in the video that are commonly used amongst people in that particular profession. You can hear him say it at times in between and correct himself or keep pausing occasionally so as to put together sentences that the common public understand. He also remembered the horrors of being involved. He has my massive respect..for real! I would also suggest watching a series called 'The Wire' as it is totally related to whatever the video wants to portray.

[@jonser20cent68]

The Wire is great. This man is a hero, drug abuse is a medical issue.

[@MomMom4Cubs]

It takes a real man to publicly admit when and where his most grievous errors are and correct them.

[@normanwisdom3126]

Hello Shannon How are you doing today

[@MomMom4Cubs]

@@normanwisdom3126 Quite well, as I hope you are.

[@normanwisdom3126]

@@MomMom4Cubs yes I am my friend am perfectly okay 😇😊🙏

[@normanwisdom3126]

So how is home and everything hope all is going well

[@normanwisdom3126]

I was scrolling down on comments and posts over here then all of a sudden I came across your name and I couldn’t resist such a beautiful name, haven’t they told you, you have such a beautiful and lovely name

[@theceruleandolphin2829]

The guy talked a lot of sense, and fair play to him for the things he said.

[@randomrangoon5476]

Agreed. I imagine he's seen some pretty dark stuff.

[@daebak7370]

...New world order led by obama and pope francis is coming. Jesus christ is coming back for the rapture. Get ready. Dont believe the coming ufo alien abduction narrative

[@randomrangoon5476]

@@daebak7370 🤦‍♂️😂

[@majorkramer]

@@randomrangoon5476 I wonder who he's screwed over? I wonder if they are now watching?!

[@remerson4]

Every word this guy speaks is an argument against prohibition, especially when he says that hundreds of people were involved, they smashed a huge drug operation and disrupted the supply for just 2 hours, the only way to 'smash' all gangs is to legalise it, regulate it, tax it, it's the only way to stop these guys and it's what they fear the most

[@emlix1]

This guy's book is highly entertaining. He's a very credible writer.

[@b.o.1951]

Any suggestions on which book I should start with ?

[@daebak7370]

The age of grace aka church age is soon coming to an end. New world order led by obama and pope francis is coming. Jesus christ is coming back for the rapture. Get ready. Dont believe the coming ufo alien abduction narrative

[@6kang971]

@@daebak7370 oh cool the title is that long?

[@cedricwade926]

@@6kang971 😂 I got lost too

[@NorthTexasEagle1989]

I'm floored by his video performance

[@jameslancefield9810]

this is the best interview iv ever seen. its eye opening.

[@FuzzyTrekkie]

The whole time I was watching this I was thinking "This guy should write a book". The second he mentioned his memoir I scrambled over to Amazon and put the book on my wishlist.

[@FuzzyTrekkie]

@dingle Berry It's a thing on Amazon where you can save items that you like. You can also send the list to your friends so they can know what to get you as a gift.

[@FuzzyTrekkie]

@dingle Berry no

[@bimg1915]

@@FuzzyTrekkie please

[@FuzzyTrekkie]

@@bimg1915 no

[@bimg1915]

@@FuzzyTrekkie :(

[@Eralen00]

this guy basically just admitted the war on drugs is a failure

[@Terranova339]

almost everyone who isnt american already knew that

[@jacktaylor7690]

Yup

[@miknarf]

@@Terranova339 Why single out American? This whole video was all about problems related to the war on drugs in other countries, but you think its just America? Did you not watch the video?

[@Eralen00]

@@Terranova339 You realize this guy is from the UK right? Apparently the English and the Swedes didn't get the memo either

[@austinwhitely5483]

@@miknarf 1. because when THE drug war is kinda an american thing. and 2. because 50 years later we still havent learned anything.

[@cervelo9465]

He made a few excellent points in his last 1 minute summary, last 1 minute of the video. The war on drugs been going on for 50 (+) years. Drugs are more prevalent, more plentiful, cheaper, more ubiquitous , more easily available, etc.

[@happygrass5]

If they performed that war like literal war, ala the PI and Duterte, the results wpuld be drastically different. The way this war is played is favored in the interest of the drug king pins and suppliers.

[@pieterwouters6677]

@@happygrass5 By "drastically different results" you mean thousands of extrajudicial killings which, according to the head of drug enforcement of the Philippine police himself, have not been effective to stop the drug supply in the country?

[@logankimmet3465]

@@happygrass5 Places like Malaysia, thailand, and Singapore are already doing that. Murdering people right in the streets over drug crimes. It doesn't help, just makes the gangs more violent because now they have nothing to lose.

[@happygrass5]

@@pieterwouters6677 look I know it is not popular. And I think it brutal. But my family and friends families in different areas around the PI testify to the dramatic drop in drug use, violence, and syndicated crime in their areas. How else do we fight? Hard Drugs are the thing that will kill a person, destrpy his family and childres futures, ransack a community into regression. But what other options do we have? If the snake heads aren't removed, the people will continue to be oppressed.

[@stevem815]

@@logankimmet3465 I'm pretty sure they're not murdering people in the street in Singapore. Singapore is probably more civilised than wherever you live.

[@williamsalex9352]

“Stashing their next ‘re-up’… erm um, tut, resupply of drugs” Half of him is still there being undercover. Love this guy.

[@DriftingEvolution]

5:19 “Reup, uh, re-supply” He was trying so hard to stay professional, but he lived that life.

[@FrenchSaladMac]

Lol I thought I was the only one who caught that. Yeah we knew what you was trying to say big homie

[@tonythetiger1600]

Lol waiting on the re up sux

[@Peanutbutter_Funk]

@@tonythetiger1600 "everybody's dry rn, i'll hit you up soon"

[@tonythetiger1600]

@@Peanutbutter_Funk 10 mins yh? .... lol

[@King_Karnage]

Thought tha same thang😂

[@deathlycold]

Going into this video I was expecting some kind of simple diagram of how a gang is structured, like boss on the top, dealers on the bottom, but what I got was some earth-shattering insights on the war on drugs in general. Absolutely mind blowing.

[@davidwebb2318]

Read some of the Freakonomics books by Dubner and Levitt for interesting information on how drugs gangs operate. Very interesting and highly amusing. There are even videos on YT of them giving lectures about the subject.

[@stephanietannerrn]

One of the best arguments I’ve heard for decriminalization of all drugs.

[@Strange9952]

Interesting argument

[@lisanancollas2330]

Decriminalized pot didn't work.

[@stephanietannerrn]

@@lisanancollas2330 because the US didn't actually do it. Try again!

[@Looser1121]

I've heard his story before. I'm glad he realized how negative policing drugs is. I'm a former herion addict and I personally believe nothing will change with "the war on drugs" until we legalize them and get rid gangs controlling them. We could reduce OD's by doing that but also encourage people towards treatment when they buy

[@seananderson5334]

Hardcore drugs like heroin and meth should remain criminal. They ruin lives merely by use and hollow out families and, by extension, societies. I'm completely for legalization of marijuana, shrooms, LSD, etc., but heroin and meth and similar drugs have no place to be legal to possess, manufacture, or use.

[@throwaway-hp1wt]

Organized street crime would lower since gangs cant compete against pharm and get ran off cause they cant compete

[@paulcheney3636]

@@seananderson5334 I'm afraid that in my opinion as far as the uk goes the government has 2 bad options. Either leave things as they are or get involved. 20% of heroin users use the vast majority of the heroin available. I can only speak for myself but it wasn't my intention to turn out how I did. The lifestyle is so destructive. All that I do know is that what we have now isn't working

[@johntchb]

I think the problem is if this source of income is taken away from criminals what will they turn to?they won't just call it a day.

[@pineapple7024]

The solution’s not to “get rid of gangs,” because someone fills the vacuum. The way we get rid of them by proxy is by diverging from austerity measures and focus on rehabilitating criminals rather than punishing them, so they can leave prison with a stable and legal place in society

[@JD-vh5hj]

Man was about to say “re-up” and stopped himself mid sentence... his street lingo just kicked 😂 cause and effect, indeed.

[@scotty1004]

Lol definitely

[@clemomush]

Went straight to the comments to find this 😂

[@BalearicBeatnik]

Lol yeh I just saw that and left the same comment!!! Actual class

[@jamessmith7577]

Time stamp?

[@rhoninel]

@@jamessmith7577 5:20

[@yangosakurai7505]

This guy clearly has a very comprehensive understanding of the drug market, and drug culture in general. Instead of being pig headed and just constantly doing business as usual (and making things worse), we should be taking advice from these types of people who's insights should be heard and acted upon when coming up with ways to handle these ever growing problems. It's pretty telling when someone who dedicated such a large portion of their life to drug enforcement says in his own words that it only serves to make things worse and more violent.

[@symbolsarenotreality4595]

Meanwhile in nations like portugal where drug abuse is not illegal but is treated as a medical issue, addictions and drug crimes have gone down.

[@gilperry9751]

No prohibiting: I live in Zurich Switzerland, today the richest city in the world. My moms from here and my dad's an immigrant. In the 80s, Zurich was most addicted city in Europe. Not per capita but in sheer numbers. We had a high murder rate. 30k heroin addicts in a city of then 300k ppl. 1.2k murders. In Switzerland. Almost every dad of my friends was involved in drugs in some way, and it was pure misery in some parts of the city. A huge wealth gap, and on and on. 1.5k his deaths in 84. But then the city started giving away clean needles, removing punishment for having a small amount and for use. Only punishing the big guys. Homeless shelters for the roughly 20k homeless and drug labors where you could go and get your drugs tested for free and alternatives for dealing. The teen dealers got jobs. Their past was erased and their record if they'd get a job. Now with that we have 4050 dollar minimum wage, and all the heroin users switched to weed that is now almost legal and pastors and rabbis gave them. It works but only if the entire city is affected and not only the poor.

[@John316forjesus]

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God the rightousness of God is available through faith in Jesus Christ. there is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. in Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgivness of sins according to the riches of His grace.

[@Erebus.666.]

As a former member of that society, I was a bit sceptical beginning this vid, but I have to say, this guy knows his stuff. Most cops don't really understand the situation, but this guy was spot on,on all aspects of the "trade".

[@jamescricketson9464]

Trash 🚮👆🏻

[@nickparker5200]

Idk I don't buy the whole getting jostled around in a bathroom just tryna buy less than a half g of dope and hard lol like get real who would do that

[@Brightenigh]

oh look its a professional who has inside experience!!!

[@dieforelma]

Thank you for doing a pure informative video without cheesy background music

[@Rageduncan1]

I watched this video yesterday and immediately started reading his book afterwards. I'm here rewatching the next day after finishing the book and it's crazy how much I understand what he's talking about. Would highly recommend the book, it's extremely interesting and well written.

[@cthuluchtului650]

What’s the books name?

[@sparky117SAS]

@@cthuluchtului650 good cop bad war

[@cthuluchtului650]

@@sparky117SAS thank you! I noticed that he talked about the book later in the video😅

[@sparky117SAS]

@@cthuluchtului650 no worries ^_^

[@BirthOfAnEmceeTV]

He's done a few podcasts with shaun atwood which are worth a watch (if you haven't already)

[@robelbelay4065]

Talk about credibility, I couldn't agree with his assessment more.

[@bryanbradley6871]

Gangster rap is the biggest exploiter of the Youth. My state was safe 10-15 years ago now we have multiple murders daily we have a population of 7 million with well over 400 murders per year. The UK still can stop it by doing something instead they want to be like Chicago.. now that's sad...

[@resolecca]

@@bryanbradley6871 really what has one subject got to do with the other or were you saying that coz Robel is black

[@bryanbradley6871]

@@resolecca I didn't even notice....I'm saying that gangster rap destroyed Multiple cities in America. Where it once was safe, than gangster rap hit and hit bad

[@xera2595]

@@bryanbradley6871 I understand but that’s not even the subject of the conversation

[@axmortz]

@shadow rwind it definitely helped glamorise that lifestyle.

[@Make_it_Make_Cents]

I honestly had very little interest in watching this video as i clicked on It by accident and I thought it would be some exceptionalism of the ‘excitement’ of being an undercover cop and all the ‘good’ work he’s done. I don’t regret sticking on, as his self awareness and authenticity was captivating. I learnt far more than I would’ve imagined.

[@mysticeye4525]

I never understood why the war on drugs was so futile until watching this. Thank you for explaining it.

[@lucialicona9049]

Man, what a pair of balls. Imagine been part of a dangerous gang and risk your life every day. This, while you're pretending to be a gangster as well. I mean, what if you have to commit a crime in order to remain in that world. Not to blow your cover and get kill.

[@vanrosauch5659]

with technology, you have no cover not as before anyhow. It's just a matter of time or place before you get targeted. Sometimes I wonder if they are trying to see how far you can go. Kind of sad too. That's how I see some things.

[@Freedom4PalestineEndZioNazism]

Police commit crimes every day. Do you think they are angels?

[@cakti581]

@@Freedom4PalestineEndZioNazism bad idea right there, get ready for some pissed people.

[@mr.dr0bot731]

How old are you?

[@h3nson2k56]

Taking part in that activity does not make you a gangster, joining a gang does.

[@osbjmg]

Glad to see a former constable that gets it. Legalize drugs, take power away from these criminals.

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

I never thought I would consider that a potential solution but... human behavior needs to change when it comes to drug use and that might just be the way to do it.

[@grantlong6586]

Yeah but even in california where weeed is legal theres still a big market for illegal weed because its cheaper.

[@charliedickson1443]

@@grantlong6586 really? I lived in both colorado and Texas and the legal weed in colorado was way cheaper. Is that a California thing?

[@justinyocom1099]

@@grantlong6586 this chick at the dispensary wanted 60 for an eighth of mids . 😂😂😂

[@keith6706]

@@charliedickson1443 It's similar to why there's a market for illegal cigarettes or booze in some places; it's primarily a way of avoiding taxes. There's still enough profit in it for some people to do it illegally.

[@brosifmcjoseph644]

I like how at 5:17 he reverted back to his undercover lingo and said "re-up" then paused and said resupply

[@shaner1912]

I read this comment exactly when he did it lol

[@aminrashad5031]

I was looking for this comment 🤣

[@MrZZooh]

Good catch.

[@TGears314]

Lol he didn’t slip to undercover words, just back into what his life was for so long

[@adambuchbinder2791]

Interesting that "package" and "stash" and "re-up" are the words used in Northampton and in Baltimore.

[@alvinsaat2943]

I like the way he analyzes the drug war from an economics point of view. It's quite a new perspective for me

[@matthewdufty606]

This interview needs to be long format. Could listen for 3 hours +. I bet he has some amazing stories to tell

[@roccobastone1441]

buy his book

[@murrijuana2842]

Search his name on KZbin and you'll find what you're looking for.

[@murrijuana2842]

@@roccobastone1441 dead technology. Watch more videos

[@BirthOfAnEmceeTV]

He's done a couple podcasts on shaun atwoods channel. Some are cut down into segments but a couple full length ones on there

[@admiralshwartz3956]

I like how you can tell a little bit of his undercover persona comes out without him trying because it became so natural for his job. He just corrects himself and moves on

[@Heothbremel]

Appreciated the empathy along with the explanation....

[@The-Benjamin-786]

Most fascinating insights I’ve heard in a long while, can’t remember the last time seen something so interesting

[@brianpj5860]

OMG this mans ending speech almost made me cry!!! YESS! Somebody who actually gets it! The only way to win the drug war is to take control of it ourselves. ive been studying this basically since a teenager. Ive done my work on the streets as an addict turned dealer, and now as a man recovering and trying to make sense of it all. What absolutely blows my mind is that The USA started this drug war, and the culture of militarized policing that goes with it. But yet they went through a test trial in the 1920’s with the Prohibition of Alcohol, and within 10 years it was a complete and utter failure that only made crime worse, alcohol more potent and dangerous, and provided a taxless market for criminal gangs to grow into empires. But yet apparently this whole test run wasn’t apparently obvious, so they decided to stubbornly go at it again, but now its been over 50 years and the drugs are still winning. How much more data do we need? When will enough be enough?? And how many more people must get their lives ruined in the process?

[@swayback7375]

Preach. The US has 4% of the world population, but we have 25% of the incarcerated people worldwide. We must be some badass mofos! Legalize, monitor purity and potential poisons added, tax it too… once something is banned by the state then the state can no longer control that thing. If you ban something that people want, they’ll find a way to get it, or someone will get creative and make a new drug and a new problem. I honestly think that crack, spice, fen, etc etc is a direct result of prohibition. No junkie wants to shoot fen, it sucks, everybody wants H, but they can’t get it so now ppl are banging straight fen with cutter instead of shoot H that has some fen in it. Fen fells like crap and it has no legs! People start shooting fen and they need a another shot in 20 mins cuz they’re already down, or even sick… after 20 mins, those same ppl would only need a fresh shot of H every 6 hours. Squares don’t understand this, and many don’t understand that they have been paying for this bullshit war on drugs. Not just with their taxes, but at this, the cost is blood! No person or family is America is untouched by this war, the taxes you pay are literally being used to imprison your family, friends and neighbors. Laws are NOT based on morality, it’s laws that makes criminals, not morality.

[@Rami-ll2bq]

this guy has figured it out, i sooooo agree with him

[@brianpj5860]

@@swayback7375 that is exactly it. There is more incentives to import smaller amounts of a more dangerously potent product, because of the way prohibition works. This happened in the 1920’s aswell, Beer making and importing became obsolete, because it was easier to import the same amount of volumes in high proof spirits and moonshine. The government then tried to control the import and distribution of medicinal/solvent grade alcohols, so the gangsters turned to poisonous wood grain alcohols...... every move the authorities make, the crime syndicates have an alternate solution for. Its a never ending battle of attrition where each side has to become more ruthless and efficient. But the police have the handicap of rules, while the criminals don’t. Its pure madness.

[@erikconradt4953]

Wait until we have the war on guns. Not all drug dealers are armed. However, every arms dealer is heavily armed. No way that potential future black market could be devastating.

[@micixduda]

@@brianpj5860 Import? Did you meant make? Also authorities are biggest gang, they made smaller more potent drug, fentanyl. Didn't state 'poison nondrinking alcohol' for industry or medicine, but was stolen and 30k people died?

[@yourFriendPan]

major respect for this guy. i don't think i've ever seen an inside source break down the inefficacy of the "war on drugs" so concisely.

[@madrigale6396]

I love this guy. We need more like him. Sensible, tough and working to make society better rather than just policing.

[@morganboutwell8231]

Powerful stuff. The fact that all these videos end at the same conclusion is proof we’re not doing the right thing

[@Jebu911]

"we did it patrick we saved the city" moment when year of good work only halts the drug trade for 2h and ends up making the other drug bosses richer and able to pocket more cops.

[@vincent67239]

You can say that they can cop more cops.

[@rouxroux]

Absolutely 100% spot on this man, and maybe more people like him and David Nutt the world needs. Regulations and legal control of these markets. Destroy the stigma surrounding drugs, destroy the criminal empires and move forward as a human race and stop wasting lives, money and resources on this pointless and unwinnable war.

[@JR-mr1tw]

Why not the opposite and greater authoritarianism, policing with extreme prejudice and capital punishment for minor infringement?

[@bigvinnie3]

@@JR-mr1tw because its not only an immoral violation of peoples rights it also doesnt work very well.

[@bigvinnie3]

@randomguy8196 i think she means the stigma around users which i agree with. Drugs as much as I'm for peoples right to use them I think should be presented in a factual manner depending on the drug some are very dangerous if used improperly, some aren't, most are in the middle.

[@Lockhart2000]

@@JR-mr1tw I hope you're kidding...or eight years old and don't know any better.

[@leehaiko3999]

Just legalize everything, cause if it's illegal, there will be a black market huh huh. Murder needs to be legal so the market can control it, legalize it all, it's an "unwinnable" war anyways.

[@carthagodelenda9014]

Needs a link to his book in the write up - bought it anyway. Such a quality video - the man's got balls of steel, but such empathy and understanding too. Awe inspiring fella.

[@kathrinsides2838]

The “war on drugs” is not just a bad idea, but it’s truly a disastrous problem that is in desperate need of radical changes because it’s just making things worse and helping no one. It’s refreshing to hear this from a former member of law enforcement.

[@oblivionsa7973]

It won't end anytime soon. The "war on drugs" much like the "war on terror" employs far too many people and is responsible for tens of billions in federal subsidies (along with seized assets) flooding all levels of law enforcement to fight wars they know can never be won and have only made the problem worse. These programs feed into a vicious cycle where money is pumped in, making the problem worse, which results in even more money being pumped in. Law enforcement and the many companies that supply them reap the profit while everyone else pays the price.

[@Tuppoo94]

What is the alternative then? Making a government drug monopoly and taxing drugs heavily? That will make "legal" drugs more expensive, leaving a market for these gangs to operate in.

[@CaseyEm]

This whole thing just shows why we need to decriminalize drug use, and possible even make drugs legal to an extent. Criminalizing drugs created criminals who were far worse than a simple drug user

[@wizdumb_and_valor]

Social experiment for lack of a better term

[@shambu2012]

created drug industry.

[@leehazlewoodism]

Prohibition never works. You'd have thought they would have figured this out by now....

[@hughchristianson4080]

Agreed, the government's that have already taken the decriminalization position are consistently proving how places with no tolerance are basically stubbornly choosing to remain in a kind of "Dark Ages". with no forward progress in these multi decade long wars on their own citizens... sad

[@gilperry9751]

No legalizing. I live in Zurich Switzerland, today the richest city in the world. My moms from here and my dad's an immigrant. In the 80s, Zurich was most addicted city in Europe. Not per capita but in sheer numbers. We had a high murder rate. 30k heroin addicts in a city of then 300k ppl. 1.2k murders. In Switzerland. Almost every dad of my friends was involved in drugs in some way, and it was pure misery in some parts of the city. A huge wealth gap, and on and on. 1.5k his deaths in 84. But then the city started giving away clean needles, removing punishment for having a small amount and for use. Only punishing the big guys. Homeless shelters for the roughly 20k homeless and drug labors where you could go and get your drugs tested for free and alternatives for dealing. The teen dealers got jobs. Their past was erased and their record if they'd get a job. Now with that we have 4050 dollar minimum wage, and all the heroin users switched to weed that is now almost legal and pastors and rabbis gave them. It works but only if the entire city is affected and not only the poor.

[@simonisenberg4516]

"We congratulate Drugs for winning the War on Drugs."

[@desfoley6335]

Neil Woods is also A Big Bill Hicks fan :)

[@shenanitims4006]

I love the beginning here. Underlining message, don’t attempt to legislate what people are going to naturally do. Instead stick those resources into treating (helping) those who experience it and then want to escape.

[@Trund27]

Yes - Harm reduction and treatment must be increased.

[@leoshest9651]

No one whos ever been involved with drugs or the trade thinks keeping it illegal is a solution; its the reason.

[@themanwnoname3454]

2021(G) “Respect and dignity.” Furthermore:

[@merrymachiavelli2041]

Eh, I think there are two separate issues A. whether we should as a society try to restrict the consumption of certain drugs B. the most effective method to do so. I don't think it's sufficient to class addictive, harmful drugs as something people 'naturally do' and then just leave the market alone. They are essentially exploiting bugs in our hardware - biological vulnerabilities to certain substances. I want as few people as possible to have their lives destroyed by them - regardless of the method. That being said, if aggressive policing isn't effective, we shouldn't do it. If legalising and taxing would work, then we should legalise and tax. If less harsh sentencing laws would help, we should do that. Having said that, I do think though there is a flip-side to what he said - supply and demand works both ways. Currently, highly illegal drugs are expensive (in terms of price and risk), largely because of the additional hurdles an illegal industry has to deal with, higher prices tend to decrease consumption. This doesn't help many people who are already addicted - they know who to call, they will pay the price and they take the risk because they _have_ to. But for the vast bulk of people with stable, law-abiding lives, the risk, inconvenience and cost associated with buying heroin...etc. acts as a significant barrier to doing so. So you may have a situation where there is a trade-off: - Drug Legal: Increased consumption in society overall, say 50% versus 5%, but no violent criminal gangs, increased tax revenue, and more accessible harm prevention programs. -Drug Illegal: Reduced consumption overall, but you create a violent black market and those who do get addicted suffer more for it. For me, it comes down to the harms of the particular drug - what % of people who are addicted seriously suffer from it? If it's a lot, then the balance of harms shifts towards making it illegal, sure you create a Black Market and all the human misery that comes with that, but that's better than 10% of the population dying in bathtubs from overdoses and another 10% going bankrupt. If it's not that harmful or addictive, like cannabis, then the Black Market creates more suffering then the increased legal consumption would.

[@aikalabe7719]

That logic doesnt follow. People naturally use physical violence to abuse one another and get what they want, but we all agree that it's fine to legislate against that behavior. I agree that the war on drugs is a complete failure, however the idea that people want it so we shouldnt make laws about it isnt even his point - his point is that our laws should intelligently regulate this business rather than criminalizing it and militarizing against it.

[@FatMontana84]

Just went out & got this book 13 pages in & I’m hooked very interesting read

[@SharikSobaka]

“Those people were in a pattern of behavior that was out of their control because of what had happened to them.” My mans woke af. That’s deep and spot on

[@bradr9581]

And he used that to understand them. That's empathy, people. Not saying "ohhh I'm so sorry." Empathy is an intellectual exercise as much as an emotional one.

[@looweegee252]

@@bradr9581 woke is Leftist narcisissm not empathy, empathy is right wing

[@joshuakielty]

@@looweegee252 Empathy is neither right wing nor left wing it’s human. However in general I’d wager those with higher levels of empathy would tend more towards center/left of the political spectrum

[@looweegee252]

@@joshuakielty I didn't decide what reality is, right wing freedom loving individuals are empathetic and Leftist tyrannical narcissistic people aren't. I didn't decide that to be true. It just is. Not all narcissists are Leftists but all Leftists are narcissists. Leftist means far left Nazi/Commie, it doesn't mean liberal.

[@Jesus_friggin_christ]

@@looweegee252 I dont know why people keep saying "left nazis"; nazis could not be more right wing lmao

[@DougHinVA]

He understood in himself that he had pity for hard-core drug users. That is very strong and noble and very hard to mask or set aside, I would bet... For use normal folks I learned : leave any drugs alone. Dependency in any form is a problem and YOU must seek help to overcome it, even if not yet addictive. John Bradshaw said " every form of addiction is an effort to cover emotional pain ". It's true.

[@azdaze227]

This is amazing. He brings up so many good points, especially the one about user dealers basically not having a choice alot of the time.

[@i.l.6956]

Now I have changed my opinion about war on drugs. Thank you

[@ogsxl]

The way he said re-up so naturally was quite convincing that his rep was good

[@Nerdifull]

Wholly agree with the man at the end. After hearing countless stories like this one you start to realize how “chasing the bad guy” really isn’t the solution to the problem. Regulation is.

[@atmosrepair]

And USA found this out 100 years ago, with alcohol. But they also found it grew government to combat never ending cycle

[@ZedF86]

@@atmosrepair I don't know if that's accurate, as alcohol was legal prior to prohibition. The increase of the government footprint was considerable during prohibition due to the necessity to enforce the law. (Volstead act) That led to massive amounts of corruption and heavy handedness in the police forces at the time, and was at least partially the reason that we have the police as they exist today.

[@aribrahim1898]

@@atmosrepair The criminal element of prohibition era US is very exaggerated, the benefits outweighed the negative and the only reason it was abolished was because of the tax dollars that government was missing out on

[@samsonsoturian6013]

Also consider that throttling the suppliers of drugs drives up the prices, meaning the surviving drug gangs are more profitable.

[@RealmsOfThePossible]

And more crime is committed to make the money for the higher cost of the drug. The 'war on drugs' has been an abject failure for decades.

[@mgntstr]

@@RealmsOfThePossible the war on drugs is a raging success! The winners are the police state, the banks and drug dealers. All involved parties benefit. Tough habit to get out of I would say.

[@iSpaceBound]

This brings me memories when I was 5/6 attending my uncle’s funeral. He was a bouncer killed by them

[@nickjones7737]

I grew up with a heroine addicted step brother, I've seen first hand how some of that world can be. I am actually quite pleased to see a copper acknowledge that his line of work is what directly put people like my stepbrother in more and more danger. It's just a shame it cost my step brother his life.

[@yankees29]

I was a crack/cocaine user for 30 years. I’ve seen some crazy stuff. I used to go to the worst neighborhood and in NYC to get drugs.

[@nickjones7737]

@@yankees29 well done for being clean now

[@yankees29]

@@nickjones7737 thanks. I’m married now and have a good life.

[@ogge9296]

Police didn't put your stepbrother in danger, he himself did. That's like putting your house on fire and blaming fire fighters when you die from the fire.

[@nickjones7737]

@@ogge9296 mine did, of course he did. But the difference for me is knowing a lunatic and someone who can be directed. A flutter of hand, a subtlety.. thats what we're arguing is life and death&. Can you not see how that isn't about killing someone to save how someone feels?

[@russellmoore8187]

I've been a LEAP supporter for more than a decade, since they were "Law Enforcement Against Prohibition". The arguments for regulation instead of prohibition are so compelling that they're just obviously correct.

[@MrZZooh]

Same should happen with prostitution and sex work to get trafficking, pimps and people getting ripped off and sickened out of the way.

[@ABandCalledStoned]

I'm not a druggy. Never have been. That's not saying that I havent done my share...I just never played with needles. Anyhow...the way I see it...everyone should be allowed to do what they want as long as they don't intentionally harm others (rape, murder, theft, violence). And I get that some drugs make good people bad and bad people worst (meth is a prime example). And I don't want them around me or on my land. But...that does not mean that they shouldn't be allowed to do what they want. It's like suicide...why is it a crime? A person should have the right to choose.

[@davidbillyard6629]

Corruption is the main obstacle.

[@ngrader]

@@davidbillyard6629 And the fact that the incumbent addictive drugs don't want to share market space. (sugar, alcohol, caffiene, pharmaceuticals)... Nicotine, however, stands to benefit greatly from regulation of 'hard-drugs'.

[@davidwebb2318]

@@ABandCalledStoned But the rest of society has to pay for supporting them or the problems they cause. That is why other people are damaged (indirectly) by drug use and they therefore have to be given a say on what is acceptable within the society they are funding and living in.

[@bobadams7654]

Massive respect for Neil. Doing great work worldwide.

[@tibettenballs4962]

My dude. Bob. Neil is not who he says he is. Okay. So this guy used to blow me and other thugs in the back alley. We all got arrested after trusting him with the qumm-bag. Baldie literally gulped it in front of us, then we were raided.

[@aidaofearth]

Everyone needs to listen to the wisdom, truth and empathy this man is speaking. This nonsensical war absolutely has to end!

[@gentlemenofleisure12]

"The top 10% of heroin users are using 50% of the heroin." Bernie - "this dude spittin fax"

[@ThisAintARealHuman]

Bro are you stupid? This sentence makes sense.

[@playerroku4412]

How so

[@colezorn471]

@@playerroku4412 he’s essentially saying the money is even easier to make when you are dealing with the 10% of feens that buy the majority of the dope. Basically the other 90% are random users who aren’t gonna come back everyday

[@carpinado3089]

@@playerroku4412 not everyone uses the same amount lmao

[@howlingzombie1157]

As someone who grew up in drug neighborhoods this is very interesting, out of the loop (thankfully) had no idea about Sweden.

[@WaffleAbuser]

I’m Swedish and ashamed of our country’s ridiculous drug laws.

[@howlingzombie1157]

@@WaffleAbuser Drug laws are bad all over. too strict or soft but nothing ever fits right, It is a very hit or miss situation in my opinion.

[@RedDoom33]

It's a matter of time here in Sweden that more and more innocent gets killed by the gangs. A month ago a police officer got shot (and died) by a gang member. Crazy. You do not mess with the mc gangs or the big gangs in the suburbs in the biggest cities here in Sweden. People with 200£ in debt has been shot to death (rare case this one but still..).

[@carbon1255]

@@howlingzombie1157 I don't really think there is a good solution. Sometimes there isn't.

[@andrzejcelinski1]

He is a good man who realizes all the harm Drug prohibition has caused. More people need to realize how harmful the status quo is to ABSOLUTELY EVERYONE and I feel like this is slowly happening...WATCH THIS VIDEO TO THE END

[@dizzyandwasted]

Really eye opening. He is a powerful voice for his cause. I will definitely look into these ideas more

[@BinkyTheGoddessDivine]

I dated this guy years ago who, same as me, was very much into health and fitness. He never did drugs, and barely touched alcohol and even had a chef who cooked only healthy food. One day his best friend knocked on my door telling me that he's been arrested for being, not a dealer, but a big time drug trafficker. I was shocked. He lived in a big fancy house in an exclusive neighborhood, drove several expensive cars and was a total gentleman to me. A couple of years later I ran into him and he was very apologetic. That was the last time I ever saw him.

[@vanrosauch5659]

IT works both ways . No kids EHH?

[@90sGamingGuy]

Well damn

[@mostunique5941]

Money is money. Just because you sell a product doesn’t mean you use it

[@elpri553]

*SOUNDS LIKE A REAL GANGSTER* if you ask me.

[@evanb0611]

“If the police catch a drug dealer, crime goes up” sounds like a waste of time and tax dollars to me

[@TesterAnimal1]

He told this story in a podcast episode. “I, Spy” I think it was called. Spy including undercover law enforcement as well as intelligence officers. Very interesting.

[@iandaly8564]

Which EP? I've listened to all three seasons and I don't recall this man's story.

[@daebak7370]

We are living out book of revelations. New world order led by obama and pope francis is coming. Jesus christ is coming back for the rapture. Get ready. Dont believe the coming ufo alien abduction narrative

[@plutotech]

@@daebak7370 you left out president taft and Tupac..

[@Lockhart2000]

@@daebak7370 I'll have what this guy's having?

[@Leadfoot_P71]

@@Lockhart2000 I think it's called a "one and one", equal parts of QAnus and religious cult fantasies.

[@gavingleemonex3898]

The best thing about the war on crime is the way non-participants get caught in the crossfire, without let-up. Looking at you, The Judiciary.

[@gamertech360]

This is an admirable guy right here. Straight from the horses mouth, he states regulated drug legalization will crush the illegal trade. It’s amazing how the powers that be can’t get this.

[@J29117]

I think its less that the governments don't see it and more that its PR suicide. No matter how right they may end up being, the party that legalises all drugs and regulates them thus, albeit maybe indirectly, profiting off them will not be in power come next election.

[@sizor3ds]

@@J29117 depends on public attitude. For sure a lot of people will support their government legalizing and regulating the drug trade, but their opposition parties will create fear, hatred, and opposition solely for political gain. Especially if there are only 2 political parties

[@IrelandVonVicious]

They see it and are in on it. It makes them rich too.

[@kasiersoze7569]

Because prison is still big business m8

[@uwaisbangi2959]

@@sizor3ds public attitude in the UK still swings against legalisation by quite a big margin

[@RaZieL2193]

This is, and I'm using my words carefully, the most interesting story I heard in years. Thank you very much for sharing

[@AvangionQ]

5:50 "It's an extremely hostile environment, but I have to reiterate, it's the presence of people like me [undercover police] in that marketplace, and it's general drugs policing and the use of police informants, which creates that desperately violent marketplace." So what'd happen if drugs were legalized, regulated and taxed instead of treated as a criminal offense? We'd see a great decrease in overall crime rates. The war on drugs has been a trillion dollar failure.

[@mehtaabbrar621]

I have to say first, I don’t know the answer to your question. Your last sentence brings up a question of my own though: who profits most from keeping a war on drugs going? Possibilities, off the top of my head are arms+weapons manufacturers and the prison system. Any others that would seriously profit? Genuinely curious for ideas

[@AvangionQ]

@@mehtaabbrar621 Who profits from keeping certain drugs illegal? Big Pharma is at the top of that list. Agreed with the rest of what you said.

[@mehtaabbrar621]

@@AvangionQ I think I follow, but could you elaborate on the Pharma idea? Is it because they produce the alternative, or the cure/disease themselves, or something else? I haven’t done enough research to draw the connection yet.

[@AvangionQ]

@@mehtaabbrar621 Yes, that first one (provides an alternative) ... cuts into Big Pharma profits

[@mehtaabbrar621]

@@AvangionQ yes, there is actual research (which i’ve since looked up) that areas where medical marijuana is available, opioid overdoses drop. crazy that such dangerous drugs are just being pushed on us

[@avikarpik]

This guy's saying the same thing I've heard in tons of other interviews. Pretty much everyone who was on the inside, whether undercover or as the criminal, says that there's no other way then to legalize drugs. Most of them point out that there are 2 markets - drug market and war on drugs market, with neither of them being really interested in ending their respective markets.

[@meejinhuang]

He needs to advise politicians around the world on how to deal with drug gangs. The current system in the US is a complete failure and actually help drug gangs sell more drugs which then enrich cartels around the World.

[@theshoes7488]

I “upvoted” because I believe you mean well but please, M, my friend, listen to me.... the politicians DO.... NOT.... CARE! The most you could say about them, is maybe they just don’t know “how to do the right thing” but at this point dude, with all the insight they have involving massive problem solving Ect., there is absolutely no way they can plead ignorance.

[@davidbillyard6629]

The politicians benefit financially from the drug trade, so why would they want to stop it?

[@zBijs]

his advice can only work in a dictatorship like NK, or PRC. Not in democracies. Because if there are elections, and one of the 2 major contestants (as is the case in US, UK, Canada, etc), declares that they will go full on legalisation, the only thing they will achieve is handing over a landslide to their opponents. So... the ones that need advice are the voters, not the politicians. The politicians will give you what they think you want. Its the only way they will keep their jobs.

[@juliusgabrielgatmaitan2335]

Also tell that to President Duterte of the Philippines. His war on drugs only seems to make things worse.

[@ThePanzerFreak5]

Oh no, the politicians are fully aware of the solutions lol. They simply choose to never implement them

[@joshuaadams8240]

I find it interesting how this man views drug enforcement policies.

[@joshuapatrick682]

At least he understands that these addicts are still People. It’s crazy that prohibition didn’t teach those in the 60’s and 70’s anything, and you’d figure we’d have learned by now.

[@Julia-lk8jn]

I sometimes feel like one can sell some US-Americans anything if it's branded as a "War On The Big Bad(TM)". War on Drugs, War on Terror, War on Communism ... this bloody stupid 18th century idea that any problem can be solved if you just throw enough violence at it. There's this standard talking point of "people making bad choices". I don't think the average crack or meth user _ever_ makes a choice between "I could have a job with a livable pay and a nice, safe home, _or_ I could start using drugs and end up on the street /in prison /dead". And pretending that that's what happens is a revoltingly and willfully stupid, selfish thing to do.

[@murrijuana2842]

We haven't learned anything. But those making the money sure have learnt a thing or two

[@joelhelin8381]

Very nice, good tutorial!

[@dropout2156]

A perfect explanation as to why making drugs illegal is utterly futile and clearly more damaging.

[@freelancerAM]

I hope one day they'll put all this money and resources into understanding the root cause of addiction, versus waging a war against it

[@hamayun1112]

The root cause is self evident

[@ZaJaClt]

Root cause is that its pleasurable and you want it again, but the pleasurable effects dwindle down whilst the consequences pile up

[@hamayun1112]

@@ZaJaClt That's exactly right

[@MactacFPV]

@@ZaJaClt No, root cause is trauma. It's been well studied and documented.

[@ZaJaClt]

@@MactacFPV an addictive personality does not necessarily entrail trauma, there was an experiment where a rat would feel pleasure if it pressed a button, guess what it did instead of eating/drinking from then on till it died

[@gabesantacroce1569]

I’m an IV heroin addict and I can see and really appreciate that this guy sees us as wounded people who need compassion instead of criminals who need to be punished. More of this rhetoric needs to be seen.

[@bennetttravers9535]

I hope you get better soon, please stay safe

[@steewith2ees14]

Same here Gabe - originally got addicted in 2005, cleaned up in 2007 and managed 6 years (with the help of a new career) before I relapsed. I was instantly prescribed Methadone the second time around and have not been able either clean up or gain meaningful employment ever since. Drug use is considered Malum Prohibitum, unlike most crimes which are Malum In Se - the difference being that drug use is only considered a crime due to the personal decisions of others unlike murder, which like other crimes that are Malum In Se are self evidently wrong and immoral.

[@JuanMercado91]

Cops are reactive and always will be. Can't combat crime with out dealing with the underlying issues but that takes time and ppl want action now, even if the outcome grants them a worse environment than before.

[@vosluc7991]

I was entirely with you until you said "it takes time", now I'm not sure what you mean exactly. I initially assumed, you were talking about legalisation, but I think the time frame you are referencing isn't that one. I'm fairly convinced governments could legalise and distribute all sorts of tested and certified drugs within about a year without much of a problem if approved by the population. Anyway, you have me curious, what do you think the underlying issues of drug crime are? (Genuine invitation for a good faith discussion)

[@JuanMercado91]

@@vosluc7991 underlying issues being poverty, lack of adequate educational and recreational resources, lack of mental health care resources, etc. You can't build a swath of public schools and mental health clinics, provide a jobs program that gets ppl working in dignified fields getting paid adequately, or build a bunch of parks, fund after school programs or municipal sports teams, or w.e. and expect crime to just drop the next year. It would take time for the positivity of all of those things to show and reduce crime and violence. Not to mention that jailing or imprisoning someone often perpetuates further crime because now that person lost their job or w.e., and so you begin to get into the territory of restorative justice instead of straight up punishment also takes time, patience, and effort by the victims, the community, and the perp.

[@ugcamige]

When he said re-up and had to correct himself 😂 I felt that

[@Chief_Sosa1017]

😂🤣 clocked that 👀

[@amadeuszjankowski9212]

I'm grateful for his work and hope he has a peaceful retirement.

[@bakamojojojo]

It's interesting how many people from the front lines of the war on drugs, say that prohibition does not, and will never work..

[@iain3482]

It's also interesting how politicians never listen to them, unfortunately.

[@bakamojojojo]

@@iain3482 In the face of overwhelming evidence that they should!

[@thesmoky1]

They're starting to listen.

[@thefirstFlashJack]

Politicians only care about and should only care about what their constituents want. If you want change and don't vote then why should they care what you think. If you want change and most voters don't then they need convincing. Sadly most people are uneducated on drug issues but they have very strong feelings that they're very stubborn about.

[@iain3482]

@@thefirstFlashJack only to an extent. Politicians should also care about good governance. Pandering to the whims of the uneducated or ill-informed masses and to vested interests is why the world is so fucked up on many issues. Drug policy is a perfect example. If all of the evidence points to the policy being a colossal failure then politicians should persuade their constituents that change is required. Don't forget, politicians have access to information and expertise that we don't and it's their job to govern based on that information. If I could sum it up in one sentence, it would be that it's a leader's job to lead, not to follow.

[@Try_Hard_Dad]

LMAO @5:18 he was about to say "re-up" and then he corrected himself 💀 he was really out there Also i love how he defines manipulations from the police side and the irratic nature of crime as a neccesity BECAUSE the police are involed in that environment. MAN this guy has a knack for storytelling

[@Freewheeler1973]

Read his book a couple of times, thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@Nia_Beeyah]

This is outstanding. I hope this is a form of therapy for him to endure as much as he did to learn this. Outstanding story

[@normanwisdom3126]

Hello Nia How are you doing today

[@maureenkelly738]

The “War on Drugs” just moves the money from one gang to another, and it never ends. It’s too big to fail. This guy understands that. As another poster wrote, the best way to make a difference is to legalize and tax the drugs. That way there is more money in “legal” hands and less waste of public resources fighting an i winnable war. However when there is a vacuum, someone will move in to take over. It willlook difference, but corruption looks to be part of the human condition.

[@Gumjag]

I need legal meth. My kids stress me out daily, and meth is the only way I can deal with it. If I could just purchase meth from like Walmart, that would save me a lot of hastle in buying from a shady dealer. Then I could focus on house work and child rearing.

[@tadsklallamn8v]

corruption is not part of the human condition. People are economically forced into crime systems

[@amyb.6503]

But not taxed too much, or the black market continues so they can evade the taxes. That's currently happening in Colorado and California with weed. That said, this wouldn't work for all drugs. A few specks of fetanyl is a killing dose. Imagine a serial killer with a handful of it dumping it down a hotel vent...you have to draw the line somewhere.

[@DanteRU0312]

No. Legalizing drugs is the worst thing you can do.

[@taoliu3949]

@@ghostreconfan812 Drug use rehabilitation and education has done more to reduce use of drugs than outright prohibition, e.g. tobacco.

[@richardpedley6291]

I was a heroin adict for 32years and I never got court with drugs ever glad to say I'm clean now and iv ternd my life around

[@jakemoreau3679]

Burger Bar Boys is the most British gang name I’ve ever heard of oh my lord 🤣 In all seriousness though, this was a really great video and this guy is really awesome to listen to…

[@frawgeatfrawgworld]

They were a serious Jamaican yardie gang lol the furthest from stereotypical British you can imagine...

[@BacklTrack]

@@frawgeatfrawgworld why are there Jamaicans in Britain?

[@No....187]

@@BacklTrack not everyone's white in the uk bro

[@BacklTrack]

@@No....187 obviously lol

[@Jeremy-ql1or]

In Michigan, they legalized recreational weed so for the last three years I have only been getting pot from the store. It occurred to me recently that I now have no idea how I would go about getting coke or E or an illegal gun because I don't have the weed guy who always acted as the hub for black market activity. I really think they should talk about when discussing the legalization of drugs.

[@wettailtimberwolf1996]

Weed is not the gateway drug. But it introduces you to people who want you on the heavy addictive stuff. When legalized you don't have to go to the manipulative dealers anymore and ot makes you safe in the long run.

[@MajCyric]

If there is a demand, someone will always step up and be the supply..

[@captaincanuck4576]

Exactly so let's at least get some tax money out of it.

[@ericgather2435]

@@captaincanuck4576 would be fun to have a drug store with crack and stuff haha 2027

[@captaincanuck4576]

@@ericgather2435 I mean although crack wasn't invented yet,it was that way in the early 1900s.

[@DJ-sn2wn]

5:50 wow, i really appreciate that honesty and self awareness. A lot of changes need to happen in drug enforcement.