In 2019, law enforcement initiated an investigation into a drug trafficking organization operating out of Laredo. They seized 615 kilograms of marijuana with a street value of around $400,000. The 10 kilograms of cocaine they seized were valued at $250,000. Law enforcement also seized $26,000 in apparent drug sales proceeds. The leader of the drug trafficking organization oversaw drug smuggling operations in Texas and Florida. The drugs were sourced from the Dominican Republic and Mexico.
Drug Trafficking Sentencing
The leader of the drug trafficking organization has been sentenced to 144 months in federal prison, followed by five years of supervised release. He had a previous conviction for alien smuggling, resulting in a 37-month prison sentence. His co-defendant has previously served 135 months for his role in the conspiracy to smuggle narcotics to Houston, Louisville, and Dallas.
The court considered his previous 27 arrests, including six gun charges, 11 assaults, two money laundering offenses, and murder. He was ultimately sentenced to 135 months for his role in the conspiracy. Additional co-conspirators for the drug trafficking activity received prison terms of 36 and 26 months, respectively.
Texas Prosecutors are Cracking Down on Drug Trafficking
The investigation and charges brought in this case were led by Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETF), and the investigation was named Operation The World Is Yours. The federal Drug Enforcement Administration, Border Patrol, and the Laredo Police Department also aided the investigation. These task forces have increased by drug trafficking-related charges in Texas.
What to Do if You Have Been Charged With Drug Trafficking in Texas
Drug trafficking is a severe crime in Texas. If you are charged with drug trafficking, it is crucial that you reach out to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. The most commonly prosecuted drug trafficking crimes include trafficking marijuana, cocaine, club drugs, and prescription medication. In many cases, defendants in drug trafficking cases are charged with additional crimes, such as:
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Drug conspiracy
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Drug importation
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Interstate trafficking or drug distribution
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Illegal sale and trafficking
The penalties for drug trafficking are severe in Texas. For example, if you are arrested for trafficking marijuana, you could face a minimum jail sentence of 180 days and fines of $2,000 or less. If you have been charged with large quantities of marijuana, the penalties range from a prison sentence of 10 to 99 years and fines of up to $100,00. The more dangerous the drug, the more serious the penalties. For example, trafficking between one and four grams of cocaine can be charged as a second-degree felony that carries a prison sentence of up to 20 years and fines of up to $10,000.
Discuss Your Case With a Skilled Criminal Defense Attorney
If you have been charged or you are being investigated for drug trafficking, your freedom is in jeopardy. You need an experienced and aggressive criminal defense attorney to represent you. Contact Abel Law Firm as soon as possible to schedule your free initial consultation with a Dallas/Fort Worth, criminal defense attorney.