Drug trafficking is one of the most serious crimes related to controlled substances that is prosecuted in the U.S. People accused of trafficking are likely to face felony charges that carry a prison sentence and large fines. To many people, drug trafficking is synonymous with organized criminal activity involving gangs or drug cartels.
They may picture people with large quantities of cash derived from distributing controlled or prohibited substances to others. Contrary to what many people assume, trafficking charges are not always the result of gainful economic activity. People can face trafficking charges for behaviors that do not yield any immediate profit.
Trafficking can involve gifts or travel
Allegations of drug trafficking often relate to concerns about for-profit distribution of drugs, possibly as part of a broader network of criminals. However, trafficking charges are also possible in cases involving a single person without any ties to organized criminal activity.
Under state statutes, drug trafficking can involve the distribution of drugs but also the transportation of them. Individuals accused of transporting illicit substances or prescription medications that are not theirs across the state are vulnerable to prosecution. The same is true of anyone who brings drugs into Florida from elsewhere, including states where certain drugs are legal under recreational use laws.
Additionally, the act of transferring drugs to others can lead to trafficking allegations. Even in cases where an individual might give their leftover prescription medication to a coworker without requesting any financial compensation, their conduct could put them at risk of criminal prosecution.
The state does not need to show that any transfer of funds occurred. Anyone caught in the act of transferring or transporting drugs could be at risk of serious criminal charges. The amount of the drugs transferred can impact the likelihood of trafficking charges. For certain drugs, the state must prove that a person transported or transferred multiple pounds to justify a trafficking charge. For other drugs, as little as one gram can be an adequate justification for a trafficking charge.
Those facing allegations of drug trafficking and other serious drug-related offenses are at risk of life-altering penalties and a permanent criminal record. Working with a legal professional can help people limit the consequences that they’re facing after the state accuses them of improper conduct concerning prohibited drugs or controlled substances.
