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Narcotics

Police Make Huge Cocaine Bust

Police Make Huge Cocaine Bust

U.S. Customs Seize 20 Pounds of Crack Cocaine

I’m sure U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers are no strangers to seeing crack cocaine and other narcotics on a daily basis of dealing with smugglers.

An investigation has started after U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers seized almost twenty-pounds of cocaine. It was hidden in the inside of a cargo hold of a flight from Montego Bay, Jamaica. It arrived at Philadelphia International Airport just last week.

The Customs officers did the routine cabin sweep and a cargo inspection after the flight arrived to the Philly International Airport after 6 p.m. The officers were searching through the cargo when they spotted two drawstring backpacks, which happened to be hidden behind an access panel. The Investigators stated that each of the backpacks contained four brick-shaped objects, which was made up of a white, powdery substance. In the field test, it tested positive for cocaine.

According to the investigators, the cocaine weighed around 19 pounds, 9 ounces. They said the street value of the drug was around $600,000.

Susan Stranieri, CBP Port Director for the Area Port of Philadelphia’s statement:

Narcotics interdiction remains a CBP enforcement priority, and a mission that we take very seriously. We are pleased that these dangerous drugs will not reach our city’s streets. CBP remains vigilant at our nation’s borders, and we’ll continue to do our part to help keep our communities safe.

 

According to the investigators, there have been no arrests made at this time, however they are continuing the investigation.

 

U.S. Army Reserves Private Facing Cocaine Charges

Being in the Army is a privilege and an honor for most people that decide to take that path in life. I don’t think the Army would like their members selling drugs.

A private in the U.S. Army Reserves as well as another man, are now facing drug related charges after police seized around three million dollars worth of cocaine being shipped from Boston to New York City on Saturday.

According to Bridget G. Brennan who is New York City’s special narcotics prosecutor, Twenty-three year old, Mark Soto and twenty-four year old, Xavier Herbert-Gumbs were arraigned on Friday. The charges was for criminal possession of a controlled substance. Brennan said that bail was set at $400,000.

Soto is in the Army Reserves. Both he and Herbert-Gumbs live in Puerto Rico.

Cocaine Investigation

There is an ongoing investigation by the state and federal prosecutors have identified the pair as members of a major narcotics trafficking network. Both of the men were arrested on Thursday during a traffic stop in the Bronx.

Herbert-Gumbs had 110 pounds of cocaine in his possession at the time. The cocaine was pressed into brick shaped packages, according to the authorities. Soto was later arrested and was in possession of around twenty-six pounds of cocaine in the trunk of his vehicle. According to the prosecutors, Soto’s vehicle also had Herbert-Gumbs’ identification card stating his name and had his photograph.

According to the investigating officers, the cocaine had been transported from Boston to New York.

Soto’s attorney took their time working up a return call for a comment about the situation. The Army Reserves also took some time to reply about Soto’s assignment.

The number for Herbert-Gumbs’ attorney went unanswered the Saturday following the incident. It’s unclear what kind of work Herbert-Gumbs does for a living.

Phoenix Drug Possession Lawyer

Criminal Defense Cases

Being convicted of a drug offense of any kind is a serious matter that could result in criminal penalties and could adversely affect your employment opportunities. If you have been arrested on drug possession charges, contact the Law Offices of the Phoenix based Perlman Law Group for immediate assistance.

 

Phoenix Drug Possession Charges

Our Phoenix drug possession attorneys handle all drug possession charges, including:

  • Illegal possession of marijuana
  • Illegal possession of narcotics and other controlled substances such as Cocaine, Methamphetamine

(also known as Meth) and Ecstasy – MDMA

  • Illegal possession of prescription medications
  • Forged medication prescriptions
  • Drug possession for sales or distribution

 

Our Extensive Experience in Handling Drug Possession Cases

We have extensive experience defending clients charged with illegal drug possession. We closely examine the evidence in the prosecution’s possession and look for ways to exploit police and prosecution errors to our clients’ advantage.

 

Important Questions Pertaining to Your Case:

  • In your situation, if the illegal drugs turned up in a traffic stop, did the police have a good reason to stop your car?
  • Did the seizure of the evidence against you violate the terms of a search warrant?
  • Did the police fail to instruct you of your right to remain silent or your right to legal counsel?

 

If You Have Been Charged for Drug Possession Contact an Attorney Right Away

The sooner you engage us to develop your defense strategy, the more our law firm will have to work with in protecting you from a conviction. We examine these and other issues to raise the strongest possible defense on our clients’ behalf. Our attorneys are also familiar with treatment options and creative measures that may allow you to avoid a criminal conviction or minimize the penalties you may face. We care about our clients and work hard to protect their freedom, record and rights.

 

If you have been arrested for drug possession, you may be innocent, you may have made a mistake or you may have a chemical dependency issue. Regardless of your personal circumstances, we will be the strong and caring advocates you need. For people who do have a chemical dependency issue, incarceration is not the answer. We will do everything in our power and within the law to protect your freedom.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Drug Possession Lawyer

Any drug charge is a serious accusation that could result in prison time, other serious penalties, and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. The good news is that there is a defense to every charge. If you or someone you know has been accused of a Drug Crime such as Drug Possession, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 877-887-4541.

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
battery drug possesion Drug Trafficking Medical Marijuana Narcotics Personal Injury

Narcotics Found Near the Border

Narcotics Found Near the Border

Drug Bust At the Border

According to the reports over 1,800 pounds of drugs were found at the Southern California Border this weekend. The drugs were worth around $3.2 million.

CBP officers found 383 pounds of Meth, 51 pounds of Cocaine, 54 pounds of heroin, and 1,340 pounds of marijuana.

According to the CBP officers who found the narcotics, the drugs were found in several locations in different vehicles. They were found in the floors of the vehicles as well as the spare tire well, bumpers, tractor-trailer, seats, and quarter panels. Pretty much anywhere you could hide anything.

Peter Flores Statement:

CBP officers face many challenges on a daily basis.  The interceptions this weekend showcase CBP’s adaptability to an ever-changing smuggling trade.

The first incident happened when an empty tractor and trailer entered the Calexico East Port of Entry.

The officer brought a canine to search the vehicle where the dog alerted them to the wall. That’s when the officers found 54 large wrapped packages of marijuana stacked inside of non factory compartment wall of the empty trailer. Probably not the smartest idea the smuggler ever had.

Phoenix Business Involved in Marijuana Bust

Phoenix is always booming. Recently deputies were busy in Maricopa when the Sheriff’s Office took part it a drug bust on a South Phoenix Business.

MCSO spokesman, Chris Hegstrom tweeted about the incident which apparently happened in the area of 40th Street and Southern Avenue at around 8:15.

The investigators reportedly raided around nine unites of the industrial building. The reports say that there were three arrests and there were hundred of marijuana plants seized.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio said that the people who were apparently growing the pot were running a legal medical marijuana business.

Sheriff Arpaio’s Statement:

This is not just a marijuana problem. It can’t avoid danger to the citizens.

Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug-Related

Any federal criminal charge is a serious matter, but a federal drug crime is often a high-level felony offense, which may result in a significant term of imprisonment. Many federal drug crimes carry mandatory prison sentences. If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney.

 

Our Federal drug charge attorneys defend clients against all federal drug charges in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, including:

  • Drug trafficking (trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances)
  • Drug smuggling
  • Drug conspiracy charges
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug importation or exportation

 

Federal Drug Crime Defense Strategy

Federal drug charges can arise in a number of situations. Often such charges arise out of the transportation, sale, distribution or manufacture of large quantities of drugs. If you passed state lines while carrying drugs, you may also have triggered a federal charge.

 

  • As with any other drug charge, there are a number of defenses and effective defense strategies that may be utilized in a federal drug case, including:
  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal search

and seizure.

  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of a search

performed pursuant to a search warrant that was not supported by probable cause.

  • Fighting charges at trial if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove all necessary

elements of a drug crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Negotiation of a favorable plea agreement that minimizes a defendant’s exposure to potentially harsh

penalties normally associated with the conviction of a

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a federal drug-related crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony Medical Marijuana

Dispensary Causes Suspicion

Dispensary Causes Suspicion

Chandler’s First Medical Marijuana Dispensary

The United States is always progressing and one of the biggest conflicts is the marijuana debate. Local news was allowed to go visit the dispensary for an exclusive look inside of Chandler’s first dispensary.

According to news reports, this new facility is in place of the old Last Chance Saloon on the Arizona Avenue and Hunt Highway.

On Friday The Herbal Wellness Center will officially open. Patients were anxiously awaiting in line for the soft opening the Wednesday before the Friday opening.

In 2013 the company started their first venture into the Marijuana business. Their first location was in Phoenix.

Chandler Dispensary Opens

The officials in Chandler had tried to fight the dispensary’s opening at first, however they worked hard to come to an agreement to work out all the problems they came up with at first.

 

Joshua Huntington’s Statement who is the Assistant Manager at Herbal Wellness Center:

We are one of the first state of the art dispensaries in this area especially in Chandler all-around about 25 surrounding miles people are coming from all over.

 

The manager say that you can look at the items that they have available but you can’t buy them until the opening due to legal requirements. Who ever has an actual medical marijuana card can go ahead and get any kind of bud or pot potion that they would like.

Managers of the dispensaries say that the South Chandler location just makes sense.

According to studies, there are about 4,000 medical marijuana card holders in Chandler. That seems like a high number but that number just continues to grow statewide.

Chandler Medical Marijuana Dispensary Opens

Chandler has opened it’s very first medical marijuana dispensary. It’s debut had quite the…welcoming committee.

According to the reports, The Herbal Wellness Center was giving away free pot. They claim up to 1/8 of an ounce of marijuana. They gave a little extra as a thank you gift to every patient that made a purchase. They claimed it was part of the company’s Grand Opening celebration. Of course, the promotion worked very well. Claims have said that there has been a steady stream of medical marijuana card holders that went into the clinic.

Wellness Center Gives Away Free Pot

The owner of The Herbal Wellness Center, Rami Sweis said that he definitley saw the need to having a center in the area of the Southeast Valley. His facility is located near Arizona Avenue near Hunt Highway.

Sweis is expecting a great success, which so far it’s proven to be one. As time goes on he expects even more people to register for the medical marijuana card. He hopes his Center is convenient for the residents.

Arizona is one of the twenty-three states in the United States that actually have medical marijuana programs. It’s a bit of an “unorthodox” business, but it’s helps a lot of people. While, the businesses do provide help, marijuana is still prohibited under Federal law. Which makes it a hard honest business to get into.

It’s a Schedule I substance and distributing is of course a federal offense, even though their President has urged the federal prosecutors to not prosecute anyone who is selling medical marijuana in a state that allows it.

Business

Which it makes the business start up even harder. Because a lot of banks actually refuse to work with the dispensaries because they fear a federal crackdown, which they should. The dispensaries do not accept credit cards for this reason so they can only do the transactions in cash only. Which makes it hard on some of their customers. A lot of people do not carry cash on them any more. It’s so much easier to keep a debit or credit card on hand.

The Herbal Wellness Center has a great set up and tries to be as secure as possible. They have security guards at the door for extra protection. There’s also a number of security cameras which covers almost every corner of the facility.

They have great hopes for the facilities at Chandler and the other one which is located at 40th Avenue and Indian School which is in Phoenix.

The center hopes to employee around two hundred people before the end of the year.  This place is helping people and creating jobs, what else could you want from a brand new business?

Criminal Defense Cases

Whatever the specific controlled substance and quantity involved, and whether you were arrested by local police, the Arizona Highway Patrol or federal agents, any drug transportation or drug trafficking allegation is gravely serious. You likely know that you could face decades or even life in prison, and that your choice of a defense attorney is pivotal.

Types of Drug Transportation Cases

The skilled Attorneys at the Phoenix based Perlman Law Group are respected, high-profile Arizona Lawyers who makes major drug crime defense a clear area of focus. Our firm is exclusively devoted to criminal defense, and we have the strategic legal knowledge and negotiating skills to make a meaningful difference for your future. We will not be intimidated by the challenge of your state or federal case involving:

 

  • Transporting marijuana, meth, cocaine, prescription drugs such as Xanax or other controlled

substances

across the Mexican border

  • Arrest at an airport or any point of entry for attempting to smuggle drugs into Arizona from another

state or foreign country

  • Drug trafficking charges filed along with other felony charges such as money laundering or illegal

weapons possession

  • Drug possession, trafficking and other charges brought for crossing county lines with drugs anywhere

in Arizona

 

Our law firm has the resources to investigate your Phoenix Drug Transportation charges and successfully expose an illegal search and seizure or pursue a plea bargain based on compelling presentation of your circumstances. Whether this is your first drug arrest or you already have a criminal record, you can turn to us for dedicated, energetic defense of your rights and future.

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Drug Transportation Lawyer

There is no time to lose if you have been arrested for Drug Transportation or want to do all you can for a loved one whose future is on the line. Any drug charge is a serious accusation that could result in prison time, other serious penalties, and a criminal record that will follow you for the rest of your life. The good news is that there is a defense to every charge. If you or someone you know has been accused of a Drug Crime such as Drug Transportation, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
2942 N. 24th St.
Suite# 114-562
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
Drug Trafficking felony Medical Marijuana Narcotics Uncategorized

Phoenix Narcotics

Phoenix Narcotics

Border Patrol Finds Narcotics

Sadly, drug crimes are on the rise. Times are getting desperate and it seems like people will do anything even resort to trafficking drugs.

According to reports a woman was recently arrested when U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers found 235 pounds of marijuana in her truck. The woman was twenty-eight years old and a Mexican national. She tried to smuggle the marijuana into the United States through the Raul Hector Catro Port of Entry.

After the officers made the arrest a second inspection of the truck, a narcotics detection canine helped the officers find around $119,000 worth or marijuana hidden throughout her vehicle. Pretty big bust.

The officers seized the marijuana as well as the truck and then arrested the woman for narcotics smuggling. She was then turned over to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

CEO Arrested for Narcotics

Being an owner of a company of something that would help people would be a hard thing. Especially if that thing is somewhat illegal.

The billionaire owner of Insys Therapeutics was recently arrested and charged for leading a nationwide conspiracy “to use bribes and fraud to cause the illegal distribution of Fentanyl spray intended for cancer patients”.

Wow. Pretty serious allegations. Seventy-four year old, Dr. John N. Kapoor of Phoenix Arizona is the founder and former CEO of Insys. He is now going to face federal charges as well as fined for many many things.

The prosecutors are claiming that the company paid hundreds of thousands of dollars to doctors in exchange for prescribing spray called “Subsys” which contained a very addictive synthetic opioid fentanyl. Three of the top three prescribers have already been convicted of taking bribes from Insys.

Narcotics Company in Big Trouble

One of Kapoor’s ex employee’s calls him a genius but evil man. She’s glad the victim’s are getting justice for his crimes. She evens says that if called to testify against Kapoor that she most certainly will.

According to studies, Subsys is 100 times more strong than morphine so that’s pretty hard to believe. It was approved by the FDA to treat patients with cancer and those with “breakthrough” pain.

Nixon, Kapoor’s ex-employee, said that it was her job to make sure that Subsys got into the hands of as many patients as possible. No matter if they had cancer or not.

Nixon’s Statement:

My job responsibilities were to contact insurance companies on behalf of the patients and the doctors to get the medication approved and paid for by their insurance company.

According to Nixon Subsys isn’t cheap. A thirty day supply can cost anywhere between $3,000 to $30,000. It pretty much just depends on what insurers will pay for it. That’s what Nixon’s job was, to trick the insurance company’s into thinking that the drug was “medically necessary”. Which if you have cancer and are in severe pain, I’m sure it is.

Nixon’s Statement:

I would say, ‘Hi, this is Patty. I’m calling from Dr. Smith’s office. I’m calling to request prior authorization for a medication called Subsys. it was a complete bold-faced lie.

According to Nixon, Sarah Fuller was one of the victim patients that was prescribed Subsys even though she didn’t have cancer.

However she did have chronic neck and back pain from being involved in two car accident. Sarah’s addiction didn’t take long. Within a month her prescription was tripled. 14 months later she was found dead on her bedroom floor.

Fentanyl technically killed her though.

Sadly, Fuller is not alone.

Insys denied any responsibility in Sarah’s death. They also claimed that they shouldn’t be blamed for how the doctor’s prescribe their products. As of right now the corporation isn’t facing criminal charges. It’s also still selling Subsys.

Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug-Related

Any federal criminal charge is a serious matter, but a federal drug crime is often a high-level felony offense, which may result in a significant term of imprisonment. Many federal drug crimes carry mandatory prison sentences. If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney.

 

Our Federal drug charge attorneys defend clients against all federal drug charges in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, including:

  • Drug trafficking (trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances)
  • Drug smuggling
  • Drug conspiracy charges
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug importation or exportation

 

Federal Drug Crime Defense Strategy

Federal drug charges can arise in a number of situations. Often such charges arise out of the transportation, sale, distribution or manufacture of large quantities of drugs. If you passed state lines while carrying drugs, you may also have triggered a federal charge.

 

  • As with any other drug charge, there are a number of defenses and effective defense strategies that may be utilized in a federal drug case, including:
  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal search

and seizure.

  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of a search

performed pursuant to a search warrant that was not supported by probable cause.

  • Fighting charges at trial if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove all necessary

elements of a drug crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Negotiation of a favorable plea agreement that minimizes a defendant’s exposure to potentially harsh

penalties normally associated with the conviction of a

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a federal drug-related crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me

Categories
drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony

Medical Marijuana Money Seized

Medical Marijuana Money Seized

Money Seized from Medical Marijuana Operation

Medical Marijuana is on the rise. Almost every state is open to, or has accepted the selling of medical marijuana.

San Diego County District Attorney, Bonnie Dumanis has now been ordered to return more than $100,000 that was seized from a medical marijuana businessman and his family. This is 15 months after the drugs agents raided the man’s company and didn’t charge anyone with a crime.

After almost 6 weeks after the lawyers that represented James Slatic argued that the money should be returned, Superior Court Judge, Tamila E. Ipema made the order.

Judge’s Written Statement:

Investigations have been ongoing since January 2016 and there is no indication … that criminal charges are going to be filed in this case in the near future.

According to the reports, Dumanis has used state and federal civil asset-forfeiture rules for quite some time to steal millions of dollars from drug suspects. Which is probably a good thing if they’re true criminals they need caught and punished by law.

Steve Walker’s Statement:

The investigation remains under review for potential criminal charges, therefore the district attorney’s office is not able to discuss the facts, the status of that review or any evidence related to it. The funds ordered returned by a civil judge last week were previously found by a criminal judge to be tainted by criminal conduct, and we are reviewing the court transcript from the … hearing in March to explore further options.

Slatic’s (Businiess Owner) Statement:

It’s about time. We did nothing wrong. My business operated openly and legally for more than two years; we paid taxes and had a retirement program for our 35 employees. No one broke any laws, but the district attorney swooped in and took everything from me and my family, even though they had no connection to my business. Our lives were turned upside down. It felt like we were robbed — by the police.

In late January 2016, the family owned business had a scary awakening. Drug agents used sledgehammers to break open the front door of the Med-West Distribution company. Mid-West is a firm that supplied several medical marijuana shops with cannabis oils used for vaping as well as marijuana-laced edibles, topical creams and other products.

The drug agents seized all of the supplies as well as the business reports and just over $324,000 in cash. There was a separate forfeiture proceeding for those funds that is ongoing at this time. The agents also managed to arrest two of the employees on duty inside of the building, even though there were no criminal charges filed.

Criminal Charges

Since there were no criminal charges filed, it’s questionable why they investigated and took his personal money. Days after they searched his business they froze Slatic’s personal bank account. They even checked his wife’s accounts as well as his two step daughters, claiming that the money was from illegal drug profits. From Slatic’s account there was $55,00 taken, $34,000 from his wife’s account and more than $5,000 each from the two daughters. It was “formally” seized just a few months after.

During the hearings a judge ruled that the money should be returned because the money taken from the family wasn’t part of the Med-West Distribution. However, one could argue that there was probable cause for the prosecutors to pursue a criminal case against the company to prove that the funds actually were derived from “criminal activity”.

Almost a year after the criminal charges weren’t filed the Slatic legal team began working on trying to secure their family money back. However, the district attorney’s office opposed the motion. They said that the prosecutors had a year from the day that the money was formally seized. Talk about the tiny details. That would mean that the prosecutors had until June to decide on charges.

However, one could argue that they had no right to hold the claimant’s money at all since they didn’t file any charges against them.

According to California Law, law enforcement officials can not hold the suspects seized cash or property that is valued at less than $40,000 in federal cases without getting a criminal conviction.

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445

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drug possesion Drug Trafficking felony Medical Marijuana Narcotics

Major Marijuana Bust In Arizona

Narcotics Found Near the Border

Marijuana Seized In Arizona

Marijuana businesses are on the rise in America. Customs and Border Protection Officers at the Arizona’s Port of Lukeville have arrested four United States citizens and seized more than 2,800 pounds of marijuana during two weekend smuggling attempts. talk about a rotten time to smuggle drugs. But let’s be honest, if you’re smuggling drugs your moral compass probably isn’t too high.

According to reports, on Saturday, a fifty-five year old man from Glendale was traveling with a fifty-eight year old female passenger from Phoenix, was referred for a “secondary inspection” of his motor home. The reports say that a CBP narcotics detention canine led the officers to find multiple marijuana bundles. Police say the bundles weighed more than 2,600 pounds and was valued at $1.3 million!

The following day officers referred the forty year old man from Green Valley and his twenty-four year old female passenger for further inspection for his Ford truck. Also with the aid of the narcotics detection canine the officers were able to find more than 150 pounds of marijuana. That bunch of drugs was valued at $77,000.

Officers seized the drugs as well as the vehicles and then turned the suspects over to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

Law Allows for Bust Charges

Federal law allows the officers to charge the individuals by complaint. This is a method that will allow them to file charges for criminal activity without inferring guilt. This means that an individual is presumed innocent unless there is enough evidence presented to a jury to prove guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

 

Maricopa County Works on Drug Suppression

Maricopa County is working hard to rid its county of drugs. The Maricopa County Drug Suppression Task Force has arrested five people and has seized hundreds of marijuana plants on Tuesday morning. This all happened from a business that tried to evade the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act. Pretty crazy when that’s the way that you’re trying to make a living.

Police came armed with a search warrant to a grow warehouse near 40th and Washington streets at 7:30 in the morning. They  were able to seize more than 600 marijuana plants. This was a huge haul for the force since this is one of the biggest drug bust for the county according to Lt. Jeff Gentry of the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Gentry also said they collected: hash, edibles, keif which is a dried form of marijuana. According to the reports the marijuana that was collected from the warehouse will be dried at the Drug Enforcement Administration facility then be packaged as evidence.

There were a total of twelve warrants served in Scottsdale, Phoenix and Fountain Hills in the connection with the investigation. Among the items that were seized were also guns and more than $100,000 in cash. What an amazing achievement for the Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office.

Gentry said that a father and son were believed to be the had of the operation and believed to head more than ten more similar facilities in Phoenix and norther Arizona. They have been running for about a year and half and have generated around $16 million for the operators at this time.

 Marijuana Suspects

According to officials, fifty-seven year old Perry Lee Hestor, thirty-five year old Brandon Lee Hestor, thirty-six year old Christopher Neil Rafferty, sixty-two year old James Allen Donaldson, and forty-four year old Christopher Yancy Martin were all arrested and booked into the Fourth Avenue Jail. They are expected to face charges which include fraudulent schemes and illegal possession and selling marijuana.

Gentry said that those that were involved in the illegal enterprise pretended to be caregivers which is horrible. Doing things legally under the Arizona Medical Marijuana Act would have allowed them to have up to 12 marijuana plants as long as they didn’t live within 25 miles of a dispensary. The task force kept a close eye on the warehouse for about four months and did not wittiness any deliveries that exceeded 25 miles.

Suspected Drug Use

Police were first directed to the warehouse after complaints of a strong odor coming in the area.

Sheriff Joe Arpaio’s Statement:

We cannot blame Mexico for this. This is domestic. This is home grown.

Good work to the Maricopa County task force and Sheriff’s office for making this huge bust. This is income that the state needs but also an example that needs to be seen. People can’t do illegal things. The state works with marijuana growers and for someone to try to do things illegally needs to be punished. They’re no better than the gangsters on the streets.

Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes Lawyer

Drug-Related

Any federal criminal charge is a serious matter, but a federal drug crime is often a high-level felony offense, which may result in a significant term of imprisonment. Many federal drug crimes carry mandatory prison sentences. If you have been arrested for a federal drug crime, it is critical that you protect your rights by retaining an experienced criminal defense attorney.

 

Our Federal drug charge attorneys defend clients against all federal drug charges in the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area, including:

  • Drug trafficking (trafficking of narcotics and other controlled substances)
  • Drug smuggling
  • Drug conspiracy charges
  • Drug manufacturing
  • Drug distribution
  • Drug importation or exportation

 

Federal Drug Crime Defense Strategy

Federal drug charges can arise in a number of situations. Often such charges arise out of the transportation, sale, distribution or manufacture of large quantities of drugs. If you passed state lines while carrying drugs, you may also have triggered a federal charge.

 

  • As with any other drug charge, there are a number of defenses and effective defense strategies that may be utilized in a federal drug case, including:
  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of an illegal search

and seizure.

  • Use of pretrial motions to seek the suppression of evidence obtained as a result of a search

performed pursuant to a search warrant that was not supported by probable cause.

  • Fighting charges at trial if the prosecution does not have sufficient evidence to prove all necessary

elements of a drug crime beyond a reasonable doubt.

  • Negotiation of a favorable plea agreement that minimizes a defendant’s exposure to potentially harsh

penalties normally associated with the conviction of a

 

Schedule a Free Consultation – Phoenix Federal Drug Crimes lawyer

If you or someone you know has been accused of a federal drug-related crime, contact a Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyer Today to Schedule a Free Consultation. With a wealth of expertise, a commitment to integrity and a passion for defense, the Attorneys at Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC – Phoenix Criminal Defense Lawyers – are here to support you with your case. We believe every defendant has the right to a solid defense. Call us today for a free initial consultation at 480-351-6445.

 

 

Criminal Defense Lawyers PLLC
668 N 44th St. Suite 300
Phoenix, AZ 85008
(480) 351-6445
https://www.criminaldefenselawyers.me