Phoenix New Times:  “People caught near the U.S.-Mexico border with backpacks bulging with marijuana are eligible for reduced sentences under a new policy by the Arizona U.S. Attorney’s Office.  “Backpackers” with no prior history of drug offenses and no extenuating circumstances, like also packing a firearm, are receiving plea deals that reduce the initial charge to a misdemeanor with a sentence of 180 days behind bars, according to a letter from the office obtained by New Times. The amount of pot in the backpack apparently doesn’t matter.”