A conspiracy theory that Atlanta DEA cops are scamming people out of money at the airport has gone viral after an investigative journalist decided to look into the situation. Atlanta News First reported the findings of the journalist, who uncovered some disturbing potential allegations against the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents operating at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
How the Atlanta DEA Agents Allegedly Scammed People for Cash at the Airport
According to the report, DEA agents in plain clothes randomly approach people under the pretext that they are searching them for drugs. However, according to alleged footage, the DEA agents first search people for cash, before even attempting to search for the possible drugs. The report claims that the DEA agents target people who are about to board their flights, and search them for cash right after they scan their boarding passes.
According to reports, one of the incidents was recorded by a person named Tabari Sturdivant, who claimed that the DEA agent approached him, asked for his ID, but failed to state who he was. Sturdivant gave the agent his ID, because he was wearing the identification of the official airport staff members.
The report has sparked a viral discussion questioning the legality and morality of such searches. Were the DEA agents were abusing their power and violating the rights of innocent people, or were they conducting normal procedures?
Looking around platforms such as Twitter and Reddit, it seems many people are convinced that Atlanta cops are scamming people for cash, and that it is happening in plain sight at the airport. Some people have called for a boycott of the airport, while others have demanded an official investigation into the matter. Many YouTubers have been discussing the topic.
It is unclear whether the allegations are true or not, and whether there is any more evidence to support them. The DEA has not commented on the report, nor has any other law enforcement agency. Is it legal for the Atlanta DEA cops to search someone for cash at the airport without probable cause?
It remains to be seen whether an official investigation will be launched, and what it will uncover, if anything. Until then, travelers at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport may want to be extra careful with their cash, because you always should be anyway.