Operation Green Clover

In Denver, Colorado, DEA announced 55 arrests that took place as part of "Operation Green Clover," an investigation into one of the largest Ecstasy distribution networks in the country. Those arrested included the leader of the drug ring, several cadets at the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the three people responsible for selling an Ecstasy tablet that caused the death of Brittney Chambers, a 16-year-old Colorado girl, in January 2001. Most of the arrests occurred on August 30, 2001.

The organization, which distributed several types of drugs including Ecstasy, Ketamine, LSD, and marijuana, was led by John Sposit, 26, of Lakewood, Colorado. The arrest of Sposit and several other leaders crippled the organization, which was the primary source of Ecstasy in Colorado. The operation targeting this group was named "Green Clover" based on the appearance of the Ecstasy tablets they sold-green with a clover leaf design. During the course of the investigation in Colorado and California, authorities seized 85,000 Ecstasy tablets, 2.5 kilograms of cocaine, 320 pounds of marijuana, 4,100 marijuana plants, 5 pounds of methamphetamine, 40,000 dosage units of LSD, $1,360,000 in U.S. currency, 13 vehicles, and 36 weapons. More arrests are expected as fugitives who have already been indicted are apprehended.

"This remarkable effort highlights law enforcement's commitment to the safety of our children and young adults and to bringing to justice those individuals who wish to destroy the lives of their families and friends," remarked Administrator Asa Hutchinson. "DEA will not rest in its effort to educate the citizens of this country about the deadly consequences of club drugs and how these drugs devastate dreams and promising futures."

Operation Green Clover called public attention to the extreme dangers of club drug abuse and the to the serious consequences of trafficking in these potentially fatal substances. Sixteen-year-old Brittney Chambers consumed just one MDMA tablet before slipping into a coma. She died a few days later. The three traffickers who were involved in selling the Ecstasy tablet that killed Brittney Chambers were charged with knowingly distributing an Ecstasy pill, the use of which resulted in a death. Those defendants, Sposit, 24-year-old Megan Schey, and 20-year-old Shawn Sweeney, may face life in prison if convicted. The tragedy of Brittney Chambers' death will hopefully increase awareness of the dangers of even casual club drug use. She had never used Ecstasy before her friends gave her a tablet for her 16th birthday. Many users are naïve about the dangers of club drugs, due to a popular misconception that club drugs are harmless. However, "as friends and family of Brittney Chambers can tell us, Ecstasy is an agony," Administrator Hutchinson remarked.