Drug War Stories

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...

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...

First in a series on the Mexican Drug War By Joe Chivers It is no exaggeration to say that the Mexican Drug War is one of the worst crises of modern times. Thanks to a mix of the U.S.’ war on drugs, prohibition, and the black market, anywhere from 56,000-90,000 people...

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...

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...

"I have come to believe that experience can truly be a great teacher.  Even when it is painful.  If we look for and use the lessons."  Pinkney Clowers The story of Pinkney Clowers is the story of everything that’s wrong with the drug war.  It is the story of how...

In June of 2016, Drug War Stories did an extensive profile of Commuted Drug War Prisoner, Rudy Martinez, who had been sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole on a conspiracy drug conviction.  Thankfully, former President Obama commuted Rudy's sentence on August 31st, and Rudy finally...