Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Caught in the Crack Epidemic

In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, reporter Ruben Castaneda wasn’t just covering the crack epidemic for the Washington Post — he was also taking part in it. While reporting on D.C. mayor Marion Barry’s downfall after being caught using the drug, Castaneda was hooked on it himself.

By Madeleine Brand • Jul 14, 2014 • 1 min read

In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, reporter Ruben Castaneda wasn’t just covering the crack epidemic for the Washington Post — he was also taking part in it. While reporting on D.C. mayor Marion Barry’s downfall after being caught using the drug, Castaneda was hooked on it himself.

Madeleine Brand
Host, 'Press Play'
Andrew Walsh
Too Beautiful to Live
Christian Bordal
Managing Producer, Greater LA
Matt Holzman
Producer, 'The Document'
Ruben Castaneda
author, 'S Street Rising'

News

Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Caught in the Crack Epidemic

In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, reporter Ruben Castaneda wasn’t just covering the crack epidemic for the Washington Post — he was also taking part in it. While reporting on D.C. mayor Marion Barry’s downfall after being caught using the drug, Castaneda was hooked on it himself.

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Press Play with Madeleine Brand

Caught in the Crack Epidemic

In the late 1980s and early ‘90s, reporter Ruben Castaneda wasn’t just covering the crack epidemic for the Washington Post — he was also taking part in it. While reporting on D.C. mayor Marion Barry’s downfall after being caught using the drug, Castaneda was hooked on it himself.

Share