Notes from the National College

Taking the Battle Against Illegal Drugs to the Crescent City

By Jim Dedman, Director of Academics, National College of District Attorneys

The National College’s Prosecuting Drug Cases course was presented in New Orleans October 29–November 2 at the Wyndham Canal Place Hotel. Over 90 prosecutors and investigators attended the course and were welcomed to New Orleans by Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie Jordan. In addition to battling illegal drugs and other crimes, Jordan’s office has been beleaguered by the lingering after-effects of Hurricane Katrina.

Narcotics traffickers are constantly attempting to find ways to escape capture and prosecution. One of the topics at the course detailed how gang narcotics enterprises are using music CD jewel cases to conceal drugs. The presentation by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) explained the criminal modus operandi for this scheme and offered tips and suggestions for investigations and the drafting and execution of search warrants for this scheme.

Course attendees were brought up to date with recent significant decisions of the United States Supreme Court and other opinions that affect the investigation of illegal drug operations. Other topics included Drug Toxicology, Gangs and Drug-Related Cases, Evidentiary Matters, Expert Witnesses, Club and Rave Drugs, Clandestine Methamphetamine Labs, Asset Forfeiture, Changes in Marijuana Prosecutions, and Undercover Operations. Trial advocacy components included effective opening statements and closing arguments; and innovations in courtroom technology that can be used in the prosecution of drug cases. Recognizing the importance of maintaining the high level of dignity required of American public prosecutors, there was a dedicated presentation on Ethics and Professionalism in Drug Prosecutions.

NDAA and the National College were pleased that they could participate in attempts to bring people back to New Orleans and assist with returning New Orleans to its previous rank of premier destination while at the same time working toward making America’s prosecutors more effective and efficient in the battle against illegal drugs.