While there may be subtle shifts taking place in public perception concerning the war on drugs, authorities continue to aggressively target people for state and federal drug crimes. And, in California, while the scope of state and federal drug offenses is broad, federal authorities are putting a lot of resources into federal drug trafficking operations. California residents may have heard about a recent drug bust that caught quite a bit of media attention.
According to a recent announcement made by the California Attorney General, authorities have reportedly taken down a large-scale drug trafficking operation in Tulare County. Attorney General Kamala D. Harris stated that law enforcement agents with the California Department of Justice arrested 11 people following a lengthy investigation. As a result, authorities said they successfully dismantled the Magana organization.
An investigation into the organization began last summer after authorities learned of an alleged trafficking operation that stretched from California to the East Coast. Following the recent arrests, authorities reportedly seized nearly 56 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately four kilograms of cocaine and almost 950 marijuana plants. Law enforcement authorities also seized a vehicle and more than $250,000 in cash.
Individuals facing accusations of drug trafficking or other drug crimes need to begin to assess their criminal defense options immediately. Under state and federal guidelines, individuals who are convicted of drug crimes can face serious consequences. While the penalties vary depending on a number of factors, consequences generally include potential jail time, fines, probation, the loss of property and much more.
Source: Fresno Bee, “Authorities team up to take down big Tulare County drug ring,” George Hostetter, April 14, 2014