Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking refers to the import and export of narcotics and illegal prescription drugs past points where they are prohibited by law. An example would be importing cocaine from Columbia into the United States by smuggling it in cargo and shipping it into an international airport. As drug trafficking is often an international or interstate crime, federal government agencies are often involved in the investigation and prosecution of these offenses. Most drug trafficking crimes are felony offenses. This is generally considered the most serious type of drug crime a person may be accused of committing.

Penalties for drug trafficking will vary depending upon the type of controlled substance as well as the amount. Asset forfeiture, state prison time, heavy fines and other penalties may be assessed for a drug trafficking charge.

Federal Penalties for Drug Trafficking

The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration) has set forth an outline of the different penalties that may be imposed for drug trafficking on their website. Of course, the specific penalties enforced will vary depending on a number of factors. Following are some examples of the penalties listed by the DEA, all for first-time offenses:

• Cocaine (500 to 4,999 grams) / Heroin (100 to 999 grams) / LSD (1 to 9 grams):
  5 to 40 years in prison, fine of up to $5 million if an individual or $25 million if a group/organization.
• Cocaine (5+ kilograms) / Heroin (1+ kilogram) / LSD (10+ grams):
  10 years to life in prison, fine of up to $10 million if an individual or $50 million if a group/organization.
• Marijuana (1,000 kilograms or plants):
  10 years to life in prison, fine of up to $4 million if an individual or $10 million if a group/organization.
• Marijuana (100-999 kilograms or plants):
  5 to 40 years in prison, fine of up to $2 million if an individual or $5 million if a group/organization.

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