Maryland Men Plead Guilty to Multiple Drug Distribution Charges

With marijuana becoming decriminalized and even legalized in many parts of the country, people sometimes forget that not all drug charges are taken lightly. Prosecutors are still handing out harsh sentences for trafficking drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Maryland is no exception.

Two Maryland men are facing years in prison after pleading guilty to drug distribution charges. On March 3, a 29-year-old man pled guilty to conspiracy to distribute drugs. He was part of a drug trafficking organization that trafficked drugs such as cocaine, heroin and fentanyl to Maryland and nearby states. That same day, a 63-year-old man also pled guilty for his role in providing cutting agents to the drug trafficking organization.

Between October 2018 through April 2019, the FBI intercepted phone communications of the Butler drug trafficking organization. The FBI revealed that the organization used phones to arrange cocaine, heroin and fentanyl sales to drug users and distributors located in Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia.

The 29-year-old man was identified as a street-level distributor, at least during this time period, according to the FBI investigation. Between September 2018 and June 2019, the 63-year-old man supplied the drug trafficking organization with narcotics cutting agents. In May 2019, the FBI searched the man’s business in Baltimore and found multiple boxes of cutting agents.

The 29-year-old man faces at least 10 years, up to maximum of life in prison, for drug conspiracy. The 63-year-old man faces up to two years in prison.

What is Drug Trafficking?

Drug trafficking is also known as distribution. Any drugs can be involved in trafficking, including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and even prescription drugs. Trafficking is a more serious crime than possession. Trafficking charges often involve large amounts of drugs that are sold to multiple states. This makes the crime a felony, unlike drug possession, which is a misdemeanor.

Proving drug trafficking is harder than proving drug possession. A person cannot engage in drug trafficking if they are unaware that they are in possession of a drug or if they reasonably believe that a substance is legal. Drug trafficking does, however, require that a prosecutor show that the person sold or transported drugs, or intended to sell or deliver them. This proof often requires circumstantial evidence, such as business cards, baggies, scales, cash and other drug paraphernalia. Sometimes there are business records available that track drug transactions. Witnesses who bought drugs from the accused person or knew that the person ran a drug business could be asked to testify, and their testimony could be used as evidence.

Contact a Maryland Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Drug possession and distribution are often controversial crimes. Many people involved in drug crimes are punished more harshly than murderers, even if they are first-time offenders.

Drug charges are not taken lightly in Maryland. Many people face decades in prison as well as thousands of dollars in fines. Reduce your charges with help from the Columbia drug trafficking lawyers at the Law Offices of Todd K. Mohink, P.A. To schedule a free consultation, call (410) 774-5987 or fill out the online form.

Resource:

baltimore.cbslocal.com/2020/03/03/baltimore-drug-dealer-pleads-guilty-to-federal-drug-distribution-charge/

https://www.marylandlawhelp.com/odenton-woman-arrested-for-drug-trafficking/