Stay Out of Trouble! The Former Officer Who Instructed Others on How to Sidestep Drug Raids

Stay Out of Trouble! The Former Officer Who Instructed Others on How to Sidestep Drug Raids

      What occurs when a former Texas police officer with an impressive record of drug-related arrests begins assisting individuals in combating the law? The sobering response is revealed in Never Get Busted, a compelling new documentary about ex-cop-turned-rebel Barry Cooper, currently showing at Sundance.

      Directed by David Anthony Ngo, the film takes us back roughly 25 years, prior to the widespread legalization of marijuana in the U.S., when casual users lived in dread of being stopped and searched. Barry Cooper was among the most effective officers at apprehending drug users and dealers, so passionate about his work that he even trained his own drug-sniffing dog.

      However, as the documentary details, he soon began to doubt the morality and usefulness of raiding homes and tearing families apart over drug possession. Consequently, he switched allegiances, creating the successful Never Get Busted! DVD series where he shared numerous strategies for avoiding arrest.

      (One of the most unusual tips: If you have marijuana in your vehicle, keep a cat in the front seat, as it will distract and confuse drug-sniffing dogs.)

      For a time, Cooper finds himself in a state of limbo. The editors at High Times are initially skeptical, questioning whether his assurances to help drug users elude arrest are merely a complex sting operation. Meanwhile, law enforcement views him as a traitor.

      The film introduces a vibrant cast of supporting characters, including Barry’s partner, who influences his transition from cop to cannabis user, and a gamer/indie filmmaker who aids in launching the Never Get Busted! series.

      However, as Barry’s battle against the war on drugs escalates, he takes increasingly dangerous risks that make him a prime target—despite his ongoing efforts to liberate others.

      Never Get Busted! is not an exhaustive account of Barry Cooper’s story—it skips several years to concentrate on the most dramatic, captured-on-video events, sidestepping the mundane consequences.

      Nonetheless, for much of its duration, it is exhilarating, providing an intriguing perspective on how a sharp legal intellect can challenge aggressive prosecutions. It’s also often maddening to witness how easily decent individuals can become ensnared in the legal system.

      What lingers after the film concludes is Barry Cooper’s spirit, who could have exploited a flawed system but instead chose to fight against it.

      Never Get Busted premiered recently at Sundance.

Other articles

Sky releases a new trailer for the third season of Gangs of London. Sky releases a new trailer for the third season of Gangs of London. As Gangs of London prepares to return for its third season this March, Sky has released a new trailer for the BAFTA-winning crime drama. The series follows the gangs as they attempt to balance between revenge and survival amidst the chaos that ensues in London after a fatal betrayal. Season 3 will feature the return of Sope Dirisu in his role as Elliot. Kate Mara collaborates with Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington in Imperfect Women. Kate Mara collaborates with Elisabeth Moss and Kerry Washington in Imperfect Women. Apple TV+ has finalized the primary cast for its forthcoming psychological thriller series, Imperfect Women. Kate Mara (House of Cards) will be joining Elisabeth Moss (The Handmaid’s Tale) and Kerry Washington (Scandal) in this limited series. Imperfect Women is based on the novel by Araminta Hall and has been adapted by Annie Weisman from Physical. She will […] Eddie Murphy set to star in the action comedy Blue Falcon. Eddie Murphy set to star in the action comedy Blue Falcon. Eddie Murphy is preparing for another round of espionage as he has agreed to star in Sony Pictures' action-comedy Blue Falcon. As reported by Deadline, Murphy, who recently appeared in Netflix’s unexpectedly enjoyable sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, will portray a retired super-spy who attends the destination wedding of his estranged son, only […] Didn’t Pass Away - Review of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Didn’t Pass Away - Review of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Didn’t Die, 2025. Directed by Meera Menon. Featuring Kiran Deol, George Basil, Samrat Chakrabarti, Katie McCuen, Ali Lopez-Sohaili, Kandis Fay, Rupak Ginn, Rachna Khatau, Jhanelle Elissa, Vishal Vijayakumar, and August Redd. SYNOPSIS: During the onset of a zombie apocalypse, a podcast host fights to keep their shrinking audience engaged amidst the turmoil. There is a possibility that one might […] The Top Locations for Living and Working as a Filmmaker in 2025 The Top Locations for Living and Working as a Filmmaker in 2025 The Top Locations to Live and Work as a Filmmaker in 2025 features spots from various regions and of different scales. We assure you that one will suit you perfectly. Sundance Review: Rebuilding offers a solemn contemplation on the significance of hope. Sundance Review: Rebuilding offers a solemn contemplation on the significance of hope. We all experience loneliness at times. Even when we are amidst others, we can feel disconnected or alone—immersed in our own thoughts. For some individuals, this sensation is triggered by devastation. The kind that strikes unexpectedly, consumes everything, and leaves destruction in its wake. Many of us witness it on the news, think "how terrible,"

Stay Out of Trouble! The Former Officer Who Instructed Others on How to Sidestep Drug Raids

What occurs when a former Texas police officer known for an impressive track record of drug arrests begins assisting individuals in their battle against the law? The troubling response is revealed in Never Get Busted, an