Topic: Dea Laundering

Dennis Small of the Executive Intelligence Review provides data on drug trafficking, noting that only 8% of U.S.-bound cocaine originates from Venezuela. He argues that 90% of drugs enter through official ports of entry in commercial vehicles rather than illegal crossings. Small asserts that the drug trade is a trillion-dollar business managed by major financial cartels in London and New York.

The DEA and federal authorities are linking the sale of synthetic drugs, often called "fake pot" or "spice," to the funding of overseas terrorist organizations in Yemen and Syria. Raids on convenience stores have reportedly seized over $100 million in assets. Critics argue that the connection between "mini-mart" sales and international terrorism is a transparent attempt to use the War on Terror to justify domestic drug enforcement actions.

DEA agent James Capra's testimony before Senator Feinstein is criticized for claiming that marijuana legalization has failed everywhere it has been tried. The hosts point to Portugal's successful decriminalization as a counter-example and mock Capra's "Billy and his bong" rhetoric. They contrast the aggressive prosecution of small-time drug users with the $2 billion fine paid by HSBC for laundering billions in Mexican drug cartel money.

A New York Times report reveals that the DEA has been laundering millions of dollars for Mexican drug cartels as part of undercover operations. The agency claims this is distinct from the "Fast and Furious" gun-running scandal because money laundering does not kill people. Attorney General Eric Holder is scheduled to testify before Congress regarding these operations on December 8th.