Former Seattle Police Chief Norm Stamper does a bong hit of sorts for Olympic medalist Michael Phelps in a piece on Huffington Post. Stamper tells a South Carolina sheriff he’s wrong to believe the law demands he arrest Phelps on a drug violation. The sheriff’s state law says law enforcement “may,” not “must,” arrest violators, Stamper notes. That’s pretty much the deal everywhere.”Cops,” writes Stamper, “understand that without the discretion granted them in law they’d be paralyzed, unable to do their jobs. Unable to make intelligent decisions about who gets a ticket and who doesn’t, who goes to jail and who gets a pass.” Stamper says it’s “drug war mentality” creating all the fuss about the Olympian and his snapshot hit. “You and I both know there are far more important cases law enforcement should be pursuing,” says Stamper. “I’m an active member of Law Enforcement Against Prohibition. I invite you, Sheriff, to visit our website and to consider joining us. As you’ll see, we make a serious and sober argument, along with millions of other Americans, for ending the drug war.”Update: Eight arrests so far.
More Stories From This Author
KC Council approves moratorium on detention centers
The King County Council approved a moratorium on detention centers in unincorporated King County as an effort to limit immigration…
By
Drew Dotson • March 4, 2026 4:10 pm
King County blocks construction of ICE detention centers
The King County Council approved an emergency one-year moratorium on March 3 that immediately blocks acceptance of permits for new…
By Staff reports • March 4, 2026 2:48 pm
Rivian and Lucid could see direct-to-consumer car sales in WA
Legislation allowing luxury electric vehicle makers Rivian and Lucid to join rival Tesla in selling directly to Washington customers is…
By Jerry Cornfield, Washington State Standard • March 2, 2026 6:12 pm
