Drug trafficking is a serious offense that can lead to long-term prison sentences and substantial fines. This article discusses the factors that can lead to aggravated drug trafficking charges, common legal outcomes for this type of charge, and defense strategies that can be used in drug trafficking cases. It also examines the broader impacts of drug trafficking convictions, including asset seizures and the impact on families.
Drug-trafficking offenses are typically prosecuted under federal and state laws aimed at prohibiting a person from cultivating, producing, manufacturing, distributing, selling, or transporting controlled substances and counterfeit controlled substance labels. The crimes are often complex and involve sophisticated criminal networks that extend across international borders. The illicit drug market is lucrative and can generate profits of hundreds of billions of dollars per year. The supply chain can vary by drug and can be organized from local street dealers through national and international drug gangs and cartels.
A drug-trafficking conviction can have severe consequences, including life imprisonment. Individuals can be found guilty of a wide range of drug-trafficking crimes, including conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute. A defendant’s background and criminal record can be a major factor in the sentencing process.
Criminal investigations can target high-level traffickers, but it is critical to also dismantle the entire criminal network and reduce demand. Addressing poverty, inequality, and addiction is a crucial part of this effort. It is estimated that drug trafficking accounts for about 5-10% of all criminal activity.