Garth Mullins on Vancouver Police Raids and the Fight for Harm Reduction
Episode Overview
Garth Mullins discusses the formation and purpose of the Drug User Liberation Front and the Compassion Club Insights into the denial of an exemption from the Controlled Drug and Substance Act and the impact of growing backlash against harm reduction Exploration of misconceptions surrounding DULF's funding and the potential implications on the future of compassion clubs and harm reduction initiatives Call to action for supporting DULF and harm reduction efforts, including an upcoming rally and access to the Crackdown podcast for further insights and updates
The recent crackdown on the Drug User Liberation Front sparks a critical discussion about harm reduction, safe supply, and the challenges faced by drug users and advocates. - Garth Mullins
Imagine being on the front lines of harm reduction, only to face a police raid. That's the reality for Garth Mullins, co-founder of the Drug User Liberation Front (DULF) and host of the Crackdown Podcast. In this episode of 'Hard Knox Talks: Sober Stories. Real Talk.', Garth sits down with Daniel Unmanageable to unpack the recent Vancouver police raids on DULF's office and the homes of its co-founders, Aris Nix and Jeremy Callicum.
Garth provides a gripping account of DULF's mission, which emerged in response to the alarming rise in overdose deaths. He explains how the organization formed a Compassion Club to supply safe drugs to a small, trusted group of long-term users, challenging the misconceptions that often surround harm reduction efforts. Garth delves into the denial of an exemption from the Controlled Drug and Substance Act, which has fueled backlash against their initiatives. But what really happened during those police raids?
Garth breaks down the events leading up to the crackdown, offering insights into the broader implications for harm reduction and compassion clubs. He also tackles the myths about DULF's funding, painting a clearer picture of their operations and goals. As the conversation unfolds, Garth emphasizes the urgent need for public support. He highlights an upcoming rally and directs listeners to the Crackdown podcast for more in-depth information and updates.
This episode isn't just about understanding DULF; it's a call to action for anyone passionate about harm reduction and safe drug supply. If you're curious about the real-life struggles and triumphs of harm reduction advocates, this episode is a must-listen. It's a powerful reminder of the challenges faced by those on the front lines and the critical importance of supporting their work.