Why Britain’s best undercover police officer now regrets everything | On the Edge Podcast 

Several years ago, as part of my Open Society Drug Policy Fellowship in London, I attended a series of drug policy talks. Having been in the field and having an interesting history with drugs and drug policy, I scanned the room (as I usually do), making heuristic assumptions about the people there. I saw the usual mix; a couple of people who use drugs, some off-duty police, the reformers, legal people, and the press. Then I saw one man I only noticed by chance (perhaps because I was looking closely for a specific man) who looked calm and composed but also had a quiet vigilance about him. His eyes lazily moved across the room, even when attentively listening to people. His demeanour was quiet, and he was reluctant to move into the spotlight. I thought, "Found him! That's the man I can speak to if I need anything". The lecture started, and I forgot about him. Imagine my surprise when they introduced him as Neil Woods, a former undercover officer. "Shhhhiiiiiittttt" (yes, I watched The Wire), "He must have been bloody good." We met later that evening and had a good conversation. I mentioned to him that he had escaped my radar, and I was glad we'd never met 'Professionally'. Maybe I'd lost the knack of reading the room. Use it or lose it, as they say. We laughed about my sore ego and left it at that. Subsequently, I've read both of his excellent books, co-authored by JS Rafaeli. They are well worth reading. I now know Neil and consider him a close friend. I've found out that he is a thoughtful, compassionate, reliable, trustworthy and 'good' friend. Maybe I haven't lost my skills, because I know that Neil is the man I can speak to if I need anything.

Truly eye opening towards the corruption that is possible and ongoing in our global economy right now and beyond. Further to that what an eventful insight into a frightening life of a frustrating time in employment with police forces. Balls of steel and a fantastic logical empathetic mind. Great content this was.

Ive read both of his books. Highly recommend

Regulation all the way , prohibition does not work.