HOW TO BEAT THE DRUG BUSTS - BY THE BEST NARCOTICS OFFICER IN AMERICA

A former US policeman and undercover drug agent has appalled
narcotics officials by introducing a Christmas video for drug users
on how to avoid arrest and fool the police.

Barry Cooper, who is described by former colleagues as perhaps the
best drug-enforcement officer in America, will next week begin
marketing Never Get Busted Again, which will show viewers how to
"conceal their stash, avoid narcotics profiling and fool canines every time".

Mr Cooper, who supports the legalisation of marijuana, made the video
because he believes that the fight against drugs in America is a
waste of money. The convictions of marijuana users fills prisons with
non- violent offenders, he says.

"My main motivation in all of this is to teach Americans their civil
liberties, and what drives me in this is injustice and unfairness in
our system," Mr Cooper told the Tyler Morning Telegraph in Texas.

He said that he will launch a video, DVD and website on Boxing Day.
During an impressive career as a drug officer he made more than 800
drug arrests and seized more than 50 vehicles and $500,000
(UKP250,000) in assets.

"He was probably the best narcotics officer in the state, and maybe
the country, during his time with the force," said Tom Finley, his former boss.

The decision to produce a video has dismayed drug officials.

Richard Sanders, an agent with the Tyler Drug Enforcement
Administration, said that he planned to investigate whether it
violated any laws.

"It outrages me personally, as I'm sure it does any officer that has
sworn an oath to uphold the laws of this state and nation," Mr
Sanders said. "It is clear that his whole deal is to make money and
he has found some sort of scheme, but for him to go to the dark side
and do this is infuriating."

Deputy Constable Mark Waters, a narcotics officer in Texas, said that
the video was insulting to police. "This is a slap in the face to all
that we do to uphold the laws and keep the public safe," he said.

Mr Cooper argues that murderers, child molesters and rapists often
receive shorter jail terms than drug users. "The trillions of dollars
we're spending in our war on drugs should be used to protect our
children," he said. "Our children are being molested every day and
everyone knows we have lost the war on drugs."