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On 10/8/2003 at 12:49 PM NORML <norml@norml.org> wrote:

To: norml@norml.org
From: Marjorie Preston Gilbert <mpg7a@cms.mail.virginia.edu>

Date: Wed, 08 Oct 2003 11:24:23 -0400

Subject: HELP! Law enforcement out of control

Hi. I am a student at the University of Virginia, and in
the last few weeks, under the Patriot Act, we have all
witnessed a frighteningly ludacris violation of our rights.
"JADE"- Jefferson Area Drug Enforcement-- is a task force
made up of 17 law enforcement personnel from several
different agencies, including local/uva police, FBI, DEA
etc. They have spent the last 15 months doing an
investigation, "operation spring break-down", complete with
spy cameras in dorm rooms and a wealth of student narcs,
trying to apprehend "serious" drug dealers. Last week, they
arrested 15 students and local residents, confiscating a
grand total of around 22,000$, about 600$ worth per person.
The majority of charges were for felony possession of
marijuana. Under the patriot act, one student will be
expelled, deported, and prosecuted for an act of terrorism
for selling an 8th of pot, as she is Canadian. They
arrested the students in local bars, dorms, and even
invented a secret society reception which they invited the
suspects to and preceded to load them in a van with "Zeta
Tau" on the side, smiled, drove them to city hall, and
arrested them. Officials had the addresses of all suspects,
but instead of arresting them quietly in their homes, they
made a mockery and media frenzy of our campus law
enforcement. Our government is making a side show out of
us, abusing their power and exploiting their people.
Entrapment! Unlawful Surveillance! All out the window! Are
these not extreme measures, both financially and legally,
to be taking for such a small amount of drugs? We have a
war, a downtrodden economy, immense poverty and violence.
Our taxpayer dollars could certainly be better spent
elsewhere.Tell me, how much did it cost to employ those 17
officers for a year and half? We are appalled by the
actions of our government. Please let others know, i am
sure we are not the only city. We need to stand up for our
rights. We need your help. Thankyou. the Rabblers.

-end-


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