In this episode of One Life | One Story, Ken Behr shares his first-hand account of life in the American drug trade, active from the 1970s through the late 1980s. What began in his teens grew into large-scale marijuana and cocaine smuggling during the height of the war on drugs.
Raised in rural New Jersey, Behr’s life shifted after moving to New Orleans and losing his father. A later move to South Florida placed him at the center of major smuggling operations. He recounts the pressure, violence, and illusion of control that defined the life, and the moment it collapsed when he faced a possible 25-year federal sentence. The second half of the episode follows his cooperation with the DEA and the difficult process of rebuilding a life after it nearly disappeared.
Ken Behr is the author of
One Step Over the Line: Confessions of a Marijuana Mercenary, where he documents his time in the drug trade and his cooperation with federal authorities in greater detail.
Ken Behr Official Website- https://onestepovertheline.com
Book: One Step Over the Line – Confessions of a Marijuana Mercenary
- Amazon (Paperback, Kindle):
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6X8N6RZ - Audible (Audiobook, narrated by Ken Behr):
https://www.audible.com/pd/One-Step-Over-the-Line-Audiobook/B0B6X7JZJ7
Direct Audio / Digital CopiesAvailable via checkout on the official site
https://onestepovertheline.com
(Promo code mentioned in the episode: 1STEP100)
If you have a story you’d like to share, email:
[email protected]Guest Form: https://forms.gle/EXNN3r6Qmm2Ke96D7
Support & ResourcesIf you’re listening to this and struggling with drugs, or if someone close to you is, help is available. You don’t need to be at a breaking point to reach out. Support can be confidential, non-judgmental, and on your terms. Resources are listed below by region. United Kingdom- NHS
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/addiction-support/drug-addiction-getting-help/ - FRANK
https://www.talktofrank.com
Phone: 0300 123 6600
United States- SAMHSA – National Helpline
Free, confidential, 24/7 support for people facing drug or alcohol problems. Provides treatment referrals and information nationwide.
Phone: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Website: https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help - FindTreatment.gov (run by SAMHSA)
Search tool for drug and alcohol treatment facilities by location, type of care, and payment options.
Website: https://findtreatment.gov - National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Reliable information on drugs, addiction, and treatment options, including help for families.
Website: https://nida.nih.gov - 211 (United Way)
Call 211 to be connected with local substance-use services, treatment programs, and community support in your area.
Website: https://www.211.org - Narcotics Anonymous
Peer support groups for people recovering from drug addiction.
Website: https://www.na.org
Canada- Get help with substance use: Federal Canadian government resource with information and local options for support. https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/substance-use/get-help-with-substance-use.html
- Drug Rehab Services (Canada-wide): Free, confidential referral and support for drug and alcohol issues: 1-877-254-3348
Australia- Alcohol and Drug Foundation
https://adf.org.au
National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline: 1800 250 015 - Lifeline Australia
Phone: 13 11 14
https://www.lifeline.org.au
Europe (general)- EMCDDA
https://www.emcdda.europa.eu
(Provides country-specific treatment and support links) - European Helpline Finder
https://findahelpline.com
(Search by country for local support)
