THE POLICE PROBLEM

Of course Yahoo buried the lede:

While the searches may not be popular, they’re certainly profitable.

Clayton County records and federal documents show that drug agents find large amounts of cash on passengers at departing gates rather than drugs. Agents have seized millions of dollars, and while travelers aren’t arrested, their money is often administratively forfeited.

Like most civil forfeiture cases, people who have their money taken must prove in court that their money isn’t connected to drug trafficking or other illegal activity. Seizures like these don’t just happen at the Atlanta airport. They’ve taken place at airports across the country.

Bullies taking people's lunch money

Phantastic country where the police can just legally rob you.

I was followed around by an obvious undercover one time, assumed they were checking me as a terrorist, but it was far more likely they thought I was a mule.

Me: Middle-aged white guy, desert combat boots, straw cowboy hat, huge CamelBak. When I travel, in any way, I dress for comfort, weather and the ability to handle whatever random shit comes my way.

Here's what I wrote at the time so I don't mix up memories:

Got followed around DFW by an OBVIOUS undercover. Standard-issue ex-military federalé. White guy, early 40's, good looking, square jaw, shaved tight, excellent shape. Clothes so plain it was obvious he was trying to blend in, BUT the kinda boots you wear to hike or fight in. Ever seen a 30/40-something undercover cop in a college bar? Yeah, that guy, except the look screamed professional. Seems this guy is tailing me, I might be paranoid, pulled some "tradecraft". Turned and came back at him. He stops to look in a closed perfume/soap shop window. Not a place in which guys would be interested, nothing to actually see in there, and he's obviously not looking into the store. He's watching my reflection!

Glanced at a shop window, oh lawd he comin'! Went a few dozen yards down the concourse, pulling my tail along, spun a 180 and walked back through the crowd waiting to board. He casually spun into facing another random shop, unfocused eyes, perfectly still, not window shopping. Lost him soon after. Did he catch onto me?! Did he feel he was blown and called in another tail? Found me harmless and gave up? LOL, the man certainly avoided eye contact like I was some kinda Gorgon!

SO wanted to blow his cover! Wimped out.

All I can figure is that I checked a pistol case, perfectly legit, and sported a loaded CamelBak with gear loaded in the molle loops. Maybe the grenade pouch looked sus? Also, had a 7-hour layover and walked every square inch of all 5 terminals. Looked like I was casing the joint?

"Flights from Atlanta to Los Angeles are routinely monitored by these officers, who call them “known drug trafficking routes.”"

Atlanta cops are scum? Never would have guessed.