Overview (Back to Top)
Drug Trafficking
Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking, or drug distribution, is the crime of transporting, selling, or illegally importing unlawful or controlled substances and other illegal drugs. The term also applies to any illegal transportation or selling of prescription drugs.
Proving Drug Trafficking
Drug trafficking is not too different from drug possession, in that it requires the defendant be knowingly in possession of an illegal substance. An individual cannot be charged with drug trafficking if they are unaware that they are in possession of an illegal drug or mistakenly believe that the drug is legal. In addition, drug trafficking requires that a prosecutor show that the defendant was involved in the import, transport, sale, or intent to sell or transport the drugs, making the crime a felony.
The crime of possession and trafficking are very different and are looked at differently in a court of law. For one to prosecute the crime of trafficking, there must be circumstantial evidence that the defendant has or intended to utilize drugs for commercial use. Evidence that may be used against you includes large amounts of cash, GPS locations, and a record of sales and purchases. There may be multiple witnesses that provide testimony related to the selling of drugs and these accounts may be used as evidence.
Drug Trafficking Consequences
The trafficking of drugs is a severe crime and is punished to a further extent than simple drug possession. Trafficking drugs may be considered a federal offense and can be prosecuted as a federal crime if drugs are moved between state lines. Depending on the scale of the operation, drug trafficking can have different penalties. The drug used for commercial purposes also has an impact on time served. For marijuana, one might receive 5 years while trafficking cocaine can be 15 years. Fines also increase with different drugs. If the selling occurs in certain areas such as a school, the crime and punishment can be more severe.
If you are convicted of drug trafficking you may be subject to additional consequences. These can include a seizure of your assets including banks, businesses, cars, houses, and more. If you are not a United States citizen, you may be subject to immediate deportation.
