Even more to the point, why didn't they just knock on the front door and ask him what the plants were? Why the SWAT approach?
Stop being logical! Knock on the door? Narcotics officers wouldn't consider such a move because it could endanger them to common sense.
Heck they might even start checking addresses to make sure they have the right building. Narcotics officers, motorcycle cops and the DEA are a special breed that America needs because of their finely honed bad attitude toward citizens rights.
"Even more to the point, why didn't they just knock on the front door and ask him what the plants were? Why the SWAT approach?"
Because the "perps" might've had time to flush all the hibiscus plants.
"Even more to the point, why didn't they just knock on the front door and ask him what the plants were? Why the SWAT approach?"
It makes me sad that it took this long for someone to point this out. I for one am sick and tired of the "authorities" choosing the smash in the door with guns drawn as the first option. Here in TN a couple of years ago an elderly man was killed by cops when he tried to defend his home against what he thought were criminals (he was right, actually). turned out they had the wrong address. IMO these thugs relish the chance to play soldier and don't consider other, less invasive options like stakeouts, or a simple knock. I wonder if we can get an honest legislator to introduce a law against these tactics as a first resort?