DEA Bust US Online Head Shops

Officers from America's Drug Enforcement Agency busted 55 people this week as part of a new campaign against internet shops selling 'drug paraphernalia'. Operation Pipe Dream targeted 'head shops' selling products including bongs, pipes, spoons and scales, in the first orchestrated attack on websites selling such goods.

"People selling drug paraphernalia are in essence no different than drug dealers," said John Brown, acting DEA chief.

"They are as much a part of drug trafficking as silencers are a part of criminal homicide." (Associated Press).

The DEA move drew intense criticism from civil liberties campaigners, some of whom challenged the definitions of paraphernalia and US Government priorities.

"Ashcroft's virtual concern for children's safety doesn't prioritise sites selling prescription drugs illegally, or child porn sites, or anything else illegal," an editorial in the Oregon Daily Emerald pointed out.

"Instead, he valiantly closes down a successful, taxpaying business providing jobs to Oregonians. "

Individuals involved in the bust face up to three years in prison, though according to the Emerald, America's courts could still overrule the DEA's 'tyrannical' strategy.
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