Drug Crackdown in Baltimore Nets $1 Million Cash, 51 Guns

Drug trafficking often leads to violent crime. It can cause crimes such as robberies, murders and assault. Because of this, law enforcement officials take measures to reduce crime on the streets. Drugs are rampant in Maryland. Approximately 30% of the state’s residents know someone who is addicted to opioids, which include heroin and certain painkillers.

To cut down on drug possession and trafficking in the state, law enforcement is taking action. A recent operation in Baltimore by federal authorities was successful, netting 90 arrests and seizing 51 guns and more than $1 million in cash.

Maryland’s largest city was the target of a violent crime crackdown during the month of July. Law enforcement officials have been taking steps to clean up Baltimore after President Trump called the city a “rat and rodent infested mess.” Local, state and federal agencies all worked together to reduce crime throughout the city’s neighborhoods by looking for drug traffickers through a strategy called Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN). Agencies such as the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City, the Baltimore Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI and the DEA were involved in the joint effort.

The 90 drug traffickers who were arrested were indicted. All are members of violent drug trafficking organizations in various Baltimore neighborhoods. So far, in 2019, the attorney’s office indicted 215 defendants in Baltimore under Project Safe Neighborhoods. The office is set to surpass last year’s numbers. In 2018, 246 people in Baltimore were indicted under Project Safe Neighborhoods.

Drug Trafficking Penalties

Drug trafficking is a crime that often crosses borders. As such, a person can face state and federal penalties. The penalties vary depending on the type of drug and quantity. The federal penalties include the following:

  • 5 years in prison for 50 kilograms of marijuana
  • 5-40 years in prison for 500 grams of cocaine or 100 grams of heroin
  • 10 years to life in prison for 1,000 kilograms of marijuana, 5 kilograms of cocaine or 1 kilogram of heroin

In terms of distribution at the state level, the amounts and penalties vary from state to state. For heroin, cocaine and methamphetamines, bringing 28 grams or more into the state will result in a felony. The penalties include a $50,000 fine and up to 25 years in prison. Any subsequent offenses result in double penalties. For marijuana, distributing more than 50 pounds is a felony. The penalties include up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $100,000.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Drug trafficking is a felony in Maryland. If you are convicted, you can face hefty fines and many years behind bars. You could be barred from employment and your personal life will also be affected.

Drug crimes require a solid defense. The right lawyer can help you get the best outcome. Get the help you need from a Columbia criminal lawyer at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. Schedule a free consultation today. Call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form.

Resources:

washingtonpost.com/local/md-politics/in-maryland-3-in-10-people-have-known-someone-addicted-to-opioids/2015/10/17/9e0853ec-71c5-11e5-8248-98e0f5a2e830_story.html?utm_term=.d84391850e1a

foxnews.com/politics/baltimore-90-charged-51-guns-1-million-cash-seized-violent-crime-trump-cummings

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