Georgetown alumnus Jason Ryan‘s first book “Jackpot: High Times, High Seas, and the Sting That Launched the War on Drugs” tells the story of “gentlemen smugglers,” southern marijuana drug lords who smuggled pot on yachts in the 70s and early 80s. The book is thoroughly researched, and includes in depth profiles of dealer personalities, along  with lengthy interviews, personal correspondence, and news clips. The perfect gift for your “artsy” friend.

Recommended to fans of Thomas Pynchon, or people who actually read James Franco‘s short stories.

Ryan lives in Charleston, South Carolina and has been a reporter for South Carolina newspaper The State.

“Jackpot” will be available for purchase at online retailers on 4/20. Yes, really.

During a press conference last Thursday, Daniel Pacheco (SCS ’11) confronted National Drug Control Policy Director Gil Kerlikowske about long-standing drug policies in America.

Pacheco, a Colombian graduate student studying public relations and corporate communications, said that he was “looking to make a statement” about drug policy reform.

“The United States is the largest drug market in the world,” he said. “Criminal organizations profit from the money earned from American drug users, which allows them to cause more violence in Latin America.”

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