>>> On 24 February 2003—as the US girded for war in the Middle East and people read Ready.gov for instructions on surviving biochemical and nuclear attacks—five federal agencies busted 50+ individuals allegedly involved in businesses that sell drug paraphernalia, such as bongs and pipes. [See the press release.]

Tommy Chong--best known for his stoner movies with Cheech Marin--was among those targeted in Operations Pipe Dreams and Headhunter. His home was raided, and the feds seized all the smoking paraphernalia from his business, Chong Glass. He wasn't indicted at the time. For reasons not explained, Chong was not mentioned in the Justice Department's press release, and his Website was allowed to remain online. The Websites of the other people caught up in the sweep were quickly pulled offline by the DEA (but you can still see them here).

On 13 May 2003, Chong pled guilty to conspiring to sell drug paraphernalia. [Read more.] He faces up to three years in the clink and a $250,000 maximum fine.

At the time of the raids, The Memory Hole downloaded the Chong Glass site for safekeeping. Sure enough, at some point by the time Chong pled guilty, the Website disappeared. Below you will find thumbnails and full images of every piece that Chong offered (all of which were created by his company).

For the record, I want to state that nothing here is intended to help in the sale of these items. Although I believe that you have the right to put whatever substances you desire into your own body, apparently the sale of devices that could aid in that process is illegal. My purpose here simply is to document and archive what has been deleted, seized, and/or destroyed.

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