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

Johnnie To is set to direct Tony Leung in a gangster film that is targeting a release in 2027. Johnnie To is set to direct Tony Leung in a gangster film that is targeting a release in 2027. Although he was previously incredibly prolific, Johnnie To has released just three feature films in the past decade, and his recent interviews suggest he is not particularly optimistic about any forthcoming projects—whether that’s the long-gestating Election 3 or something else. There has been no update in the past year since he was reportedly seen filming something, which is the most concrete information we've received. 11 Actors Who Have Changed Political Allegiances 11 Actors Who Have Changed Political Allegiances These 11 actors who have changed their political affiliations have altered their views throughout their careers in Hollywood. LEGO Star Wars AT-AT Driver Helmet officially revealed. LEGO Star Wars AT-AT Driver Helmet officially revealed. LEGO has unveiled official promotional images for the AT-AT Driver Helmet model kit from Star Wars: Episode V – The Empire Strikes Back. This set will be available for purchase starting March 1st, with a price tag of $69.99. Check it out here… Nostalgia for the exciting Battle of Hoth scenes comes rushing back with this LEGO® Star Wars™ AT-AT […] Honō Studio has revealed a sixth scale figure of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Honō Studio has revealed a sixth scale figure of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. Sideshow and Honō Studio have introduced the sixth scale Spider-Man (Homemade Suit) action figure, which draws inspiration from the young webslinger featured in the Disney+ animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man. This Marvel collectible is now available for pre-order at a price of $200; check it out here… The animated series, Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man […] Sundance Review: All That’s Left of You offers a poignant examination of years of Palestinian suffering. Sundance Review: All That’s Left of You offers a poignant examination of years of Palestinian suffering. A vast and compelling drama that begins with the establishment of the state of Israel and the uprooting of Palestinian families in Jaffa, and concludes two years before the Hamas-led assaults of October 7, Cherien Dabis' All That’s Left of You explores generational trauma on both personal and grand scales. Following over seven Marcello Mio Review: Chiara Mastroianni Pays Tribute to Her Father in a Toothless Meta Satire Marcello Mio Review: Chiara Mastroianni Pays Tribute to Her Father in a Toothless Meta Satire The notorious cover of New York Magazine's December 2022 edition proclaimed that Hollywood is experiencing a “Nepo Baby Boom,” yet this phenomenon is far from limited to the American film sector. A prime example is Christophe Honoré's humorless insider satire, Marcello Mio, a film that seems as if it was designed based on the title of that article––“She Has

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