Drug War Stories

by Limus Woods African-American Comedian Dave Chappelle did a standup special once called “Killin’ Them Softly”. In it, there is a part where he jokes about police and how they would act if they shot him or knocked him out by mistake. He said that, to cover it up, the...

Third and final in a series on the Mexican Drug War By Joe Chivers In previous articles, I’ve covered the history of the Mexican Drug War from its origins until now, so what’s next? It’s a question that’s been pondered by many, from the Mexican people in their own desperate...

By Joe Chivers When we talk about drug decriminalization, the first drug that comes to mind is marijuana, but how does decriminalization affect intravenous drug users (IDUs)? IDUs are largely regarded by the public as the lowest form of drug user, a junkie, who scatters used needles haphazardly in their...

Second in a series on the Mexican Drug War By Joe Chivers One of the reasons I was so specifically intrigued to write about the Mexican Drug War is because I feel it is a war that is vastly misunderstood. In most news reports, all you will get is a litany...

On August 30, 2016 President Obama commuted Rudy Martinez's life sentence!  We reached out to Rudy, and his clemency attorney Mark Osler, for their responses.  Rudy, understandably, was still in disbelief: I'm still in a fucking daze... This is not over, not by a long shot. There is much work to...

Kevin Ott, 53, is serving a sentence of life without parole for a drug conviction. In April, 2016, Drug War Stories wrote to Kevin and requested a response to a questionnaire. Kevin's responses were received on May 2, 2016. Selections from his response are contained below. Some responses discussing...

18 U.S. Code § 924 (c)(1)(A) Except to the extent that a greater minimum sentence is otherwise provided by this subsection or by any other provision of law, any person who, during and in relation to any crime of violence or drug trafficking crime (including a crime of violence or...