Drug raid in Aspen stirs pot

Rocky Mountain News ^ | 12/8/05 | Ellen Miller

[elkfersupper]

Big mistake. In most western states, the county sheriffs rule the roost.

By virtue of the state constitutions, they actually have more power than the governors and actually can trump the feds.

In any event, this looks like overkill - 53 fedguv agents in a small, affluent resort town dependent on tourism - 2 ounces of cocaine and some immigration violations.

Interesting to see how this plays out.

[TNdandelion]

Maybe the police should have served caviar while they conducted the sting? I don't see how the rich should be treated like cream puffs just because they can afford coke over crack.

[Servant of the 9]

This is an old fight that has been going on since Hunter Thompson ran for sheriff back in the 60s on the Freak Power ticket and almost won.

[Tall_Texan]

"Our paramount concern is the safety and well-being of visitors and citizens of Aspen, placating the coke-snorting, dope-smoking Hollywood crowd that is critical to our economy" Klanderud said.

[1rudeboy]

I think you missed the following:

[Pitkin County Sheriff] Braudis has long called for the legalization of drugs, calling the war on drugs a failure and saying addicts should see doctors, not go to prison.

[rod1]

The state and fed guys must have thought the local police would tip off the druggies. Based on the locals stated position it sounds like that was a good bet.

[sit-rep]

53 agents for $2000 dollars of coke...and three thousand in cash from a restaurant? sounds like there is some brains at work here...

[elkfersupper]

I don't see how the rich should be treated like cream puffs just because they can afford coke over crack.

Sounds to me like more restaurant workers got arrested than rich patrons.

[BigSkyFreeper]

If he said that, he should be fired.

[Fruitbat]

In any event, this looks like overkill - 53 fedguv agents in a small, affluent resort town dependent on tourism - 2 ounces of cocaine and some immigration violations.

Interesting to see how this plays out.

Reminds me of all the Roman soldiers running into and out of the houses when they search their homes.

[1rudeboy]

Unless he was elected on it.

[elkfersupper]

If he said that, he should be fired.

Sheriffs are accountable to the electorate. That's why I like them.

[george76]

"Councilman Torre, who goes by only one name..."

What is his day job?

[digger48]

53 agents for $2000 dollars of coke

in street $$$'s 2 oz would be more like 56K

[RTINSC]

They should have raided the Aspen Democrat Party headquarters or Barbara Streisands home. Bigger score.

[BigSkyFreeper]

I'm aware of that. Our law enforcement, particularly the sheriff, runs on the same ballot as the mayor, the county judge, the governor, and the president.

[NativeNewYorker]

Overwhelming presence is probably a good thing when you're dealing with illegals and drugs.

[elkfersupper]

What is his day job?

My best guess? Agitator or conciliator. Searching and making a phone call.

[Servant of the 9]

If he said that, he should be fired.

He's not hired, he's elected just like every other sheriff in the United States by the residents of the County, not the tourists.

So9

[coloradan]

If he said that, he should be fired.

On what grounds? Shall only those who accept the authoritarian orthodoxy be allowed to hold office?