>>> January 24, 2002

Cut with something
Twenty-five kilograms of cocaine can make quite an impact when rolled out as evidence in a Dallas courtroom, and José Luis Vega’s “I was framed” tale had been heard before. Certain of her client’s innocence, Vega’s attorney asked that the coke be tested. When the tests came back, it was clear this was a different sort of rock: sheetrock, ground and packed to look like the goods. Curiosity led to an even more alarming discovery. In 18 major drug seizures by the Dallas police last year, the evidence turned out to be the same sheetrock. Another coincidence was that in most of the related arrests, the suspects were blue-collar Mexican immigrants.
Currently under investigation by the DEA and Dallas police public integrity unit, the sheetrock hubbub has led to the release of nearly 40 accused, and the suspension of two unidentified officers.:

—Scott Saxon