Ep 8. Grand Theft Auto

Grand Theft Auto is the eighth episode of the second season of the documentary series Drugs, Inc. This episode explores the illicit world of car theft, which is rampant in cities across the United States. The show delves into the lives of car thieves and chop-shop owners and exposes the dangerous and violent world that they inhabit.

The episode begins with an overview of the scope of car theft in America. According to the episode, a car is stolen every 26 seconds in the United States. The show then takes us to Detroit, Michigan, a city with one of the highest rates of car theft in the country. Here, we meet a group of car thieves who operate in broad daylight, stealing cars and stripping them down for parts.

Next, the show takes us to Miami, Florida, where we meet a chop-shop owner named Tony. Tony is a former car thief who now runs a legitimate business selling car parts. We learn how Tony and his team strip stolen cars of their parts and sell them on the black market. Tony is candid about the risks of his trade, which involves dealing with dangerous criminals and law enforcement.

The documentary also takes us behind the scenes of law enforcement's fight against car theft. We meet Jeff, a detective in Miami who is part of a task force dedicated to tracking down car thieves. We see how Jeff and his team use high-tech surveillance equipment and old-fashioned detective work to catch car thieves in the act.

The episode also explores the link between car theft and the drug trade. We learn how drug addicts often steal cars as a way to finance their habit. We also see how drug dealers use stolen cars to transport drugs and weapons without attracting suspicion.

In addition to the personal stories of car thieves, chop-shop owners, and law enforcement officials, the episode also provides a broader perspective on the issue of car theft. We learn about the social and economic factors that contribute to the problem, including poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to transportation. The episode also highlights some of the steps that communities are taking to combat car theft, such as neighborhood watch programs and public awareness campaigns.

Overall, Grand Theft Auto is a compelling and informative look at one of America's most persistent and widespread crimes. Through its in-depth reporting and personal stories, the episode sheds light on the dangerous and often violent world of car theft, while also exploring the wider social and economic factors that contribute to the problem.