Drug trafficking or distribution refers to the sale, transportation and importation of illegal substances such as marijuana, methamphetamine and other unlawful controlled substances. While the penalties for federal drug offenses range dramatically, individuals convicted of drug offenses are likely to face stiff fines and prison. It is also important to note that both federal and state laws are implicated in most drug trafficking cases.
According to a recent news report a police officer from Tijuana, Mexico is facing federal charges after being arrested for trafficking kilos of methamphetamine and heroin into southern California. The 33-year-old man was reportedly arrested in March after being stopped by U.S. Border Patrol agents. The agents pulled him over 70 miles north of the Mexico – U.S. border. The man was driving northbound on Interstate 15 near Temecula.
Court documents state that the Mexican officer was driving exceptionally slow and was weaving between lanes. The Border Patrol agents also said that when they drove past the man in their SUV the driver became nervous and began gripping the steering wheel tightly. After pulling him over, agents seized about 22 pounds of methamphetamine and heroin. If convicted the man faces between 10 years and life in jail.
How a person is charged and what penalties they face if convicted of the federal drug crime depend on a number of different factors. These factors include the area of distribution, the criminal record of the individual, the type and quantity of the drug and whether minors were targeted. Sentences for federal and state drug trafficking fines, if convicted, can range from as little as 5 years in prison to life.
Source: L.A. Times, “Tijuana cop allegedly caught trafficking heroin, meth in California,” Joseph Serna, April 2, 2014