New York Health Activists Advise Avoiding Anyone Arrested

Manhattan health awareness organisation the HIV Forum NYC issued an unprecedented alert to gay crystal meth users in August, warning that cops are recruiting a fast growing network of snitches (informers- slang Ed).

The anti-drug group was set up last year to try and publicise links between crystal meth use and HIV though warned this week that crystal meth cases in downtown Manhattan involving the police have already tripled since last year (from 10 cases to 30)

"Do not associate with people you KNOW to have been arrested," they advised in a community alert issued this week.

"To avoid a 10-year sentence virtually everyone arrested is turning State's evidence. If you continue to have contact, you could eventually be arrested, too."

"Recognize that people who are arrested are under ENORMOUS pressure to tell all," they added.

"They are facing several years in prison and turning in others is the only way around mandatory sentencing guidelines."

Forum co-organiser Dr Bruce Kellerhouse first raised the issue at a 'town-hall style- meeting in March, declaring 'our suspicion is that most gay men have little understanding of the mandatory sentences they'd face if convicted of selling or possessing crystal meth."

"We want to make it clear that we don't have a position on the DEA's covert operations," he added.

"Our hope for this forum is that individuals will leave with a clearer understanding of the law and future enforcement plans."

Libertarian Lee Rockwell:
'The US has a unique distinction: It is the world's greatest prison state. ..Almost one-half million Americans are in prison for drugs-only offenses.Many of them are innocent or were encouraged by federal agents or informers posing as friends to transport small amounts of drugs as a favor. . .'
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