Oops. Sorry (not!). SWAT team sets building on fire during drug raid...

... and destroys all the evidence ... if it was ever there.

From JD at Disloyal Opposition:

Law-enforcement officers often claim that violent, paramilitary raids are necessary even in cases involving non-violent activity because you don't want suspects disposing of evidence after they hear a polite knock on the door. Nothing ruins a good case like 32 pounds of marijuana flushed down the toilet (but will the plumbing ever be the same?).

But what if the SWAT team manages, by its own tactics, to destroy pretty much every scrap of evidence in the case? What do I mean? Try this San Antonio drug raid on for size:

An East Side house was almost destroyed by fire after police used a "flash-bang" device when executing a high-risk narcotics warrant Tuesday night....

Before officers entered the home they used what is called by police as a "flash bang" device which is thrown into an area, makes a loud bang, and disorients people who may be nearby. The device has been used "hundreds of times" without incident, Trevino said.

Before officers entered the home they used what is called by police as a "flash bang" device which is thrown into an area, makes a loud bang, and disorients people who may be nearby. The device has been used "hundreds of times" without incident, Trevino said.

The kicker, of course, is that, "It was not known if any traces of narcotics, which may or may not have been in the house, were left."

Just another day in the drug war....

And, of course, the police promptly accepted financial responsibility for the destruction of the building and personal property, right?

Sure they did.