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Albuquerque's Homeless Will No Longer Be Targets Of Reverse Drug Stings

  Albuquerque police say they will no longer set up reverse drug stings involving the homeless.

While police spokeswoman Celina Espinoza defended the use of such a tactic, she says the department will refrain from using it on homeless people.

City officials have voiced concerns about undercover operations luring homeless people to buy drugs in order to arrest them.

The decision comes as Mayor Richard Berry is highlighting city programs under his administration aimed at panhandlers and the homeless.

Berry says his office did not have any input in the reverse drug stings.

Police say reverse stings can reduce crime and the demand for drugs in an area.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com

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