74 arrested in Tuscaloosa drug roundup

Colleges and Universities A-Z University of Alabama
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<p>The general feeling on campus is that Dr. Bonner should have requested that UAPD not participate in the raid (as is her legal right) and that even with the tornadoes, gunshots downtown, and muggings on two campus in the last two years, it was the raid and shutdown of the “Harlem Shake” video that have angered students the most. Dr. Bonner could easily join other university presidents in supporting the legalization of marijuana for personal use and lowering the drinking age to 18/19, but chooses not to.</p>

<p>UA has a lot bigger fish to fry than going after pot users. Other possible uses of UA’s money include enforcing the no smoking within 30 feet of doors policy, installing a crosswalk so students don’t have to jaywalk to get to the Publix supermarket, offering recycling options for the hundreds of glass bottles that are thrown out each week, providing equal benefits to its LGBT employees, and helping combat depression in students, faculty, and staff.</p>

<p>To the best of my knowledge, no members of Mallet were persons of interest, let alone arrested in this raid. The students arrested came from families of all income levels and had a variety of majors and extracurricular interests.</p>

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<p>Sea tide, Thanks for the “the pulse” update. The Harlem Shake incident seems bizarre–A “demonstration”? “Riot”? Someone in power needs to spend a little more time on Facebook. Harlem Shake = Less than a minute of non-threatening silliness and a very cheap, easy way to promote school pride on a ridiculously wide-spread basis. What a sad waste of energy and school-spirit capital. :(</p>

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<p>My source also stated no Mallet kids. Must be the other GDI’s on campus :-)</p>

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<p>So let me get this straight. We used a TWO MONTH task force comprised of Tuscaloosa PD, Northport PD, UAPD, US Marshal Task Force, and Tuscaloosa Sherriff’s office to bust a bunch of frat boys (and GDI’s) smoking pot? Now isn’t that a great utilization of police resources. With all that horsepower, we could have increased police presence on campus that might have prevented two students from being savagely beaten, one within an inch of his life…or any of the other numerous areas where violent crime threatens society. Boy does society have their priorities screwed up. Instead, we have a multitude of harmless college kids, minding their own business, who pose no threat with a reminder of this day posted to every job application for the rest of their life.</p>

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<p>SEA_tide, you have my ultimate respect.</p>

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<p>Alcohol is a much worse gateway drug. I am amazed that there were no alcohol possession charges. </p>

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<p>could not agree more. But all the more reason to legalize it and regulate it rather than have it a drug that is sold in back alleys. It will make it safer. </p>

<p>Don’t get me wrong, currently, possession is illegal, and if you choose to break the law, you put yourself at risk of arrest. That is just how it works. </p>

<p>But most of these kids were between the ages of 18-20, so none of them should have had alchohol either. And I would be very interested to know what the controlled substances were that the handful of them were charged with having. </p>

<p>Now, if this “sting” had shut down a meth lab, or located a hydroponic farm in the basement of a dorm building, that would have been impressive. This just seems like a disruption to a campus in a way that will have little or no long term effect on the use of drugs on campus. </p>

<p>And lots of negative press at a time when parents/ kids are making decisions about where to go to school next year.</p>

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<p>The problem with legalizing marijuana is that your dopeheads do not want your average farm grown pot. They want the chemically altered or dro stuff. I’m not totally against keeping it illegal. But, I have issue with how they could possibly be able to keep the bad stuff off the streets. They simply will not be able to keep the bad stuff away. It won’t change a thing. The dopeheads are still going to be lacing it with chemicals or other drugs and the dro will still be desired. You would still have people growing the stronger stuff or the laced/chemical pot to sell to the dopeheads.</p>

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<p>I disagree with this. I think that your basic “stoner” wants weed. Which is what most of these kids are. They don’t want all of the extra chemicals in it. </p>

<p>If a user is looking for stronger drug, rather than the general high from marijuana, they will find it. Marijuana usually comes first because it is the most readily available drug. But most of your basic users of marijuana are not looking for more than the basic high and the socialization that goes along with it.</p>

<p>Plenty of adults use marijuana, and have since they were teens. And never used harder drugs. People that use marijuana for medical reasons long term do not progress to stronger srteet drugs either. Actually, in pain management, they can generally decrease the use of narcotics when marijuana is added.</p>

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<p>I’m glad to hear the Mallet kids weren’t involved. I thought they looked like an interesting group and worth checking out for incoming freshmen guys.</p>

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<p>I find the ‘kids will be kids’ mentality in many of the posts in this thread slightly disturbing. I think it’s ironic to read the posts in the ‘Harlem Shake’ thread in which the majority consensus seems to be saying there was a policy, the student didn’t follow the policy, sure expulsion would be excessive, but there was a rule and it wasn’t followed and the university did right by shutting it down. There need to be consequences to ensure such situations don’t get out of control. But in this thread the majority consensus seems to be “it’s JUST pot…, geez leave the kids alone and focus on something that matters” - you all make my head HURT!</p>

<p>For those that read the article, not only did they make arrests for pot, but for ectasy, LSD, and confiscated 3 weapons. Maybe I’m in the minority thinking that perhaps removing some illegal weapons from a campus environment, especially when associated with drugs is a GOOD thing, but I don’t think I’m going to be changing my opinion soon.</p>

<p>They arrested 26 students on a campus of 30,000…it’s not like they were going door to door in the dorms (which is indeed their property and they most definitely would have a legal right to do) with drug dogs. They were targetting specific students. I don’t know the details of the raid, only what I read in the article, but think of a scenario in which your student returned to their dorm room to find their roommate smoking pot in the common area on a daily basis and being exposed to it if they wanted to be or not…think a a scenario in which your student’s roommate had people coming and going at all hours because they were dealing out of their dorm room. Perhaps you would tell YOUR kid, oh, it’s JUST pot, get over it…I, on the other hand, would tell mine if they were unhappy to report the situation to their RA and then to the housing office and if they didn’t get results that I MOST DEFINTELY WOULD ENSURE THE UNIVERSITY WAS ACCOUNTABLE FOR ENFORCING THEIR POLICIES AND THE LAW.</p>

<p>It’s just pot… so it’s OK, it students go to Walmart and shoplift candy bars??? I mean it’s not grand theft auto…there are no weapons involved…they’re just candy bars… it’s not like Walmart would miss the money. So arresting students for shoplifting candy bars would be a waste of resources too?</p>

<p>Most of these students are not going to suffer serious legal consequences, most college towns I’m aware of have pre-trial diversion programs set up because the legal system doesn’t have the resources to deal with these minor problems, so students pay a fee, agree to stay out of trouble, and so long as they don’t violate the terms of the program the offense never appears on their record. However it does teach them that they can be caught and that they ‘best think twice’ before considering such behavior again, it does teach them that there are consequences to their actions, it does teach other students that the university is going to take such matters seriously.</p>

<p>I personally applaud their efforts in enforcing their policies and the law which every student on the campus is most definitely aware of.</p>

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<p>I have a lot of respect for the regulars here, but I have to say I have no issue with UA and law enforcement taking action here. Those involved know it is illegal, and yet still chose to purchase and use it. Now, after the fact, “pot” shots (pun intended) are being directed at UA? Seriously? So you want selective enforcement of laws and tacit approval of illegal behavior? If so, where does it end?</p>

<p>When you run with the bulls, sometimes you get the horns. I know we are talking about college here, but we are also talking about young adults who should be learning there can be consequences to their actions. I would also hate to see a life ruined by something seriously unsafe (as in spiked with something). What if your “stoner” got something laced with something really bad?? Then you would be blaming UA for allowing the “really bad” drug dealers to peddle their wares?</p>

<p>Life is all about risk vs. reward, but when did it become socially acceptable to take so much risk for so little reward? Some would argue this philosophy is why this once-great nation finds itself in the position it is today, and I would be one of them…</p>

<p>Just save the rationalization about the rules when you knew what they were before you starting playing the game.</p>

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<p>I’m sad that someone would assume one group of students were involved based on a stereotype.</p>

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<p>JRCS and RollTide, I don’t disagree with arresting students on drug charges, at all. To the contrary, I think there needs to be more of it on ALL college campuses and with stiffer consequences. My point is that they generally arrest the kids who are easy to set up to be “in possession” and leave the dealers out there, shucking their wares with no consequences. I don’t want to start WWIII here, but there are dealers in most if not every dorm on campus, quite a few of the fraternity houses, and a few of the sorority houses. I think it’s ridiculous to come in every few years and set up kids to be caught in possession and ignore the dealers. Why not spend a little more time and get the “bigger fish”? These sorts of sting operations seem pointless in the long run.</p>

<p>Also, please understand that there is more more information now about the arrests and charges than there were when many of us were commenting yesterday. Yesterday, all we had were mugshots and mentions of marijuana possession. I stand by my assertion, though, that possession charges do not carry much weight on campus. Dealing charges, especially when dealing narcotics other than marijuana, simply send a more solid message and generally carry stiffer penalties that are more difficult for students to ignore. I’ve never smoked or taken anything stronger than Tylenol, and have never been a drinker, either. However, I have been very much a part of that culture. I know what makes an impact. Possession of marijuana on a college campus simply doesn’t fly. Doesn’t mean it’s not illegal. Doesn’t mean it’s right. But for this expenditure of resources, they could have gotten MUCH more bang for their bucks with only a little more effort.</p>

<p>And, for the record, the vast majority of those arrested were not Greek as some seem to be suggesting was the case. Most of the students arrested were Independents. Not making judgments. Just clarifying. :)</p>

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<p>I’m not sure if the harder drugs and/or weapons were found on campus or in the city as a whole.</p>

<p>It’s a well known fact that many colleges and universities, UA included, look the other way when it comes to underage drinking, smoking, and some drug use, the primary issue being that enforcement costs would be huge and that it would simply push activity out of UA’s sphere of influence (I realize that UAPD has a statewide commission, but it has a limited patrol radius.)</p>

<p>The vast majority of people recognize that what the students and other individuals did is illegal under current law and could seriously harm their futures if they are ever tried in court.</p>

<p>I’m from WA, where marijuana possession and soon some licensed distribution will be legal under state law and where medical marijuana is has been openly advertised and sold for years. Even before legalization, it has been the lowest priority for law enforcement officers. One of the most respected men in the area, the host of a popular travel show on PBS, has supported the marijuana legalization effort for decades and was one of the largest donors in the drive for a “new approach” to marijuana.</p>

<p>FWIW, a few years ago Walmart officially announced that it would stop prosecuting minor incidents of shoplifting instead of its previous policy of prosecuting almost everyone. While it has since modified its policy to mainly sending civil demand letters that are rarely brought to court, it has found out that oftentimes, its money can be put to better use.</p>

<p>It should go without saying that I have never used marijuana or any other illegal drugs and have no desire to start.</p>

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<p>I think the ridiculous use of resources was the bust of the Harlem Shakes gathering. </p>

<p>The other busts - it’s no secret that using these types of drugs is ILLEGAL, no matter what you think of how common it is or how harmful it is. </p>

<p>As the wife and mother of asthma sufferers, I’d be all for an “all-smoking” ban.</p>

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<p>Agreed that possession charges don’t carry much weight on campus, or anywhere for that matter, as I mentioned most won’t wind up with a criminal charge and the university will probably give them little more than a slap on the wrist, but they can only do what they can do. </p>

<p>@happykidsmom you mentioned that there are dealers in every dorm and Greek house, but unless these students are growing their own plants out in a lot somewhere, then they are also little more than pawns in the bigger scheme. They have a source somewhere too and at some point that goes beyond the reach of the school, then beyond the reach of the city police…</p>

<p>It’d be nice to think that the police are asking the students arrested where they got the drugs in their possession, but how many of the students are going to turn in other students, who may be their friends. What they did accomplish is putting ‘the fear of God’ into a few students who aren’t going to want to be arrested again and making some parents pretty angry about having to drive to town to bail out their student and I’m sure made it very clear that they won’t be happy about doing it again.</p>

<p>As for shoplifting - if Walmart would prosecute a civil case it would cost them large sums in legal fees to recoup a nominal amount (yes, the legal fees can be added into the case and they can cross their fingers the judgement actually gets paid), however it doesn’t cost anything for Walmart to press criminal charges, so I’m not sure how their money would then be put to better use. (and I know there are other stores with similar merchandise that most definitely do pursue criminal charges for minor offenses). But I’m sure most of us have looked up in a Walmart, they’ve got more cameras than most casinos. I don’t know if they’d bother calling the police if you took a candy bar or not, but I’d put big money on the fact that about 2 steps into the parking lot and you will hear ‘Sir/and or Ma’am, I believe you forgot to pay for that item.’ Try it sometime, let me know how it works out.</p>

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<p>It really is irrelevant what the “national temperature” is on the legalization of cannabis. The simple fact is that at the time this took place, it was illegal in the State of Alabama. That is just an attempt to somehow add justification to the deed and minimize the offense.</p>

<p>It is also irrelevant if it was done by Greek, GDI, or Assembly. Stereotypes no longer apply to drug use, but I can tell you the casual approach to it does nothing to decrease the “acceptance” of it. That’s the part I personally cannot tolerate.</p>

<p>The analogy of shoplifting also isn’t really applicable here. It isn’t about the “diminishing returns” in prosecuting this. You can attempt to vilify UA, UAPD, etc. if you wish, but they are chartered to uphold the law, and investigate leads they are made aware of. That is their job. It is not their job to make a judgement call on the merits of pursuing it. That is for PA, Judge, and Jury to pursue.</p>

<p>It really is simple. Do your job. For the students, their job is to get an education in a safe manner which does not harm others. Don’t try to marginalize this with “it’s college, it’s just a little pot”. Just don’t complain when the consequences are realized.</p>

<p>“You need not call the devil… he’ll come without calling.”</p>

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<p>doesnt matter what school… just my opinion… if you dont like the laws, work to change them, don’t break them and then try to justify your actions when caught.</p>

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<p>I was joking about the Mallets. I do not know any Malleteers and it would be wrong for me to stereotype them. If you notice in my post, I did say I was joking. </p>

<p>I saw some Facebook posts from some Bama kids that were making wisecracks about seeing Riot Gear police outside of Mallet.</p>

<p>As I said, wisecracks.</p>

<p>I do apologize for my insensitivity in my comments toward the Malleteers.</p>

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<p>Montegut, I apologize for my comment. Apparently I did not read your post in the spirit in which it was intended.</p>