28 - Neil Woods - Undercover Cop Fights Drug War28 - Neil Woods - Undercover Cop Fights Drug War
Change Truth
For 14 years Neil infiltrated drug gangs in the UK as an undercover operative. He is now the chair for LEAP UK, which is Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. We talk about his experiences posing as a drug addict and taking down drug dealers, and why he's
1:24:06•22 Nov 2016
Neil Woods: From Undercover Cop to Drug Policy Reformer
“Drug policy shouldn't be about the numbers, it should be about reducing harm, because trying to reduce the numbers doesn't reduce the harm.”
Imagine spending 14 years undercover, living a double life to take down drug dealers. That's exactly what Neil Woods did as an operative in the UK. But what happens when the very mission you dedicated your life to turns out to be more harmful than helpful? In this episode of Change Truth, Neil opens up about his journey from infiltrating drug gangs to becoming a vocal critic of the drug war.
He shares gripping stories of posing as a drug addict and the mental toll it took on him, leading to PTSD and a profound change in perspective. Now the chair for LEAP UK (Law Enforcement Against Prohibition), Neil advocates for harm reduction and drug policy reform. He argues that treating drug addiction as a medical and social issue, rather than a criminal one, is crucial for real change.
This episode dives into the failures of current drug policies, the potential benefits of psychedelics, and the importance of language in discussing these topics. If you're interested in hearing a unique perspective on drug policy from someone who's been on both sides of the battle, this episode is a must-listen.
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