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

MUBI's lineup for February 2025 features titles such as Matt and Mara, Eureka, Asako I & II, and additional films. MUBI's lineup for February 2025 features titles such as Matt and Mara, Eureka, Asako I & II, and additional films. MUBI has announced its streaming lineup for the upcoming month, showcasing a range of significant new releases such as Kazik Radwanski's Matt & Mara, Lisandro Alonso's Eureka, Monica Sorelle's Mountains, Marija Kavtardzé's Slow, and Monia Chokri's The Nature of Love, among others. Other notable entries include works by Ryusuke Hamaguchi, Brady Corbet, Peter Weir, and more. Recently naming 15 Gen X Movie Stars Who Left Us Too Early 15 Gen X Movie Stars Who Left Us Too Early We mourn the loss of these Gen X movie stars who passed away at a young age. 11 Sequels That Outshine the Originals 11 Sequels That Outshine the Originals These 11 sequels that surpass the original challenge the idea that the first film is always the finest. Lili Reinhart and Cooper Raiff discuss their roles as co-dependent siblings in "Hal & Harper." Lili Reinhart and Cooper Raiff discuss their roles as co-dependent siblings in "Hal & Harper." Cooper Raiff describes Hal & Harper, his independent TV series featuring Lili Reinhart and Mark Ruffalo, as his passion project — as it involves the least amount of compromise. Hard Truths (2024) - Film Review Hard Truths (2024) - Film Review Hard Truths, 2024. Created and helmed by Mike Leigh. Featuring performances by Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Michele Austin, David Webber, Tuwaine Barrett, Elliot Edusah, Tiwa Lade, Jonathan Livingstone, Samantha Spiro, Sophia Brown, Hiral Varsani, and Bryony Miller. SYNOPSIS: Pansy is a woman plagued by anger and depression, extremely sensitive to even minor slights, and perpetually poised to erupt […] 12 Clever Films Presented as Silly Movies 12 Clever Films Presented as Silly Movies These clever films that appear to be silly can offer either mindless amusement or genuine food for reflection.

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