Drug trafficking is a lucrative criminal industry that destabilizes economies, corrupts governments and destroys communities. It is also intertwined with other illicit activities such as money laundering and weapons trafficking. The profits from the illegal drugs trade fuel gangs and cartels that engage in violence, extortion, murder and kidnapping. Substance abuse also causes a host of medical and social problems including overdose, infectious diseases and physical harm.
Depending on the type of drug involved, a conviction for drug trafficking can carry severe penalties like long prison sentences and substantial fines. Defending against these charges requires the expertise of a experienced attorney.
The supply chain for the most popular illicit drugs is global, and sophisticated networks drive trafficking operations. High demand, especially in the United States, creates a solid market for cocaine and other narcotics. The popularity of marijuana and heroin also drives trafficking activity. Political corruption and instability exacerbate the problem, providing cover for organized crime syndicates to operate with impunity.
Smuggling cocaine and lesser amounts of other drugs into the United States is accomplished by private maritime vessels, cruise ships, commercial fishing boats, recreational vessels, and cargo containers. In addition, drug traffickers use self-propelled semisubmersible vessels to smuggle cocaine into the United States from Colombia, Jamaica, and Puerto Rico.
For a person to be charged with drug trafficking, the prosecutor must prove that the defendant intended to sell or distribute the controlled substance. Intent can be inferred from having large quantities of the drug, scales, or communications indicating intent to sell.
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