Tucson, Arizona Major Narcotics Defense Lawyer  Call the Tucson Defenders now for help with your drug case. Tucson's location, near the US-Mexico border, and as a major city along the I-10 Freeway, makes Southern Arizona a hot spot for the sale, transportation, and large-scale trafficking of a variety of illegal drugs. The DEA reports that 86% of heroin analyzed comes from Mexico, with the Southwestern border as the primary entry point. 93% of cocaine in the United States comes from Colombia, mostly making its journey into the United States via Mexico. While methamphetamine can be produced domestically, Customs and Border Patrol notes that 97% of its methamphetamine seizures come from the Southwest border. Marijuana seizures have declined with the increase of domestically grown marijuana, but Mexico remains the primary source for foreign grown marijuana in the United States. Importation of narcotics into the United States is most often handled by federal agencies, with Customs and Border Patrol, and the Drug Enforcement Administration working to uncover illegal smuggling operations at border entry points, and other targeted enforcement in several locations in Southern Arizona. Smuggling of illegal and prescription drugs across the border is very common in Arizona, and results in many cases, including some in state court, but mostly in federal court. In addition to border crossings, drug smuggling cases can involve postal services (US Postal Service, UPS, DHL, UPS), air transportation (including everything from drones to commercial aircraft, and everything in between). FEDERAL IMPORTATION OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES LAW (General Federal Criminal Defense Information) Federal law has long prohibited the importation of narcotic substances, dating back to the early 1900s, initially seeking to quell the importation of opium, and later addressing coca derivatives, other opiates, and eventually marijuana. Today, most of the drugs in the United States are imported, and federal law enforcement agencies have continued to make enforcement of drug laws at border crossings (and nearby) a top priority. Under the Controlled Substances Act, those arrested under suspicion of drug smuggling are charged in Federal Court, and face very harsh penalties. Importation of prescription drugs is also heavily regulated and harshly punished at the federal level. Those charged with federal drug trafficking offenses can face life in prison for sufficient quantities of drugs (1 kilogram of heroin, 5 kilogram cocaine, or 1000 kilogram of marijuana), up to 40 years in prison for 100 grams of heroin or 500 grams of cocaine. Customs and Border Patrol and the Drug Enforcement Administration have tremendous resources at their disposal, and build strong cases through the use of electronic surveillance, drug sniffing dogs, and use the harsh laws to their benefit. If you or a loved one is facing a federal drug charge, contact the Tucson Defenders to discuss your case and get started with defending these serious charges. ARIZONA IMPORTATION OF NARCOTICS AND DANGEROUS DRUGS LAWS Arizona law harshly punishes transportation of controlled substances and dangerous drugs. Pursuant to A.R.S. 13-3405 - 3408 prohibit transportation of various illegal drugs, and do not require proof that the defendant traveled across the border to impose very harsh penalties. State and local police engage in targeted narcotics enforcement, conducting vehicle stops across Southern Arizona. Getting across the border might be the most difficult part of smuggling drugs into the United States, but their continued transportation throughout the state often result in very serious state level charges. Depending on the drug and quantity, transportation charges can result in lengthy prison sentences. Repeat drug offenders face even harsher penalties, including the possibility of a life sentence for those who meet the definition of Arizona's "serious drug offender" laws. Facing drug transportation charges in Arizona is serious, and you should have the best representation you can. DEFENSES IN DRUG SMUGGLING CASES Lack of Knowledge - Many people are used as drug mules without their knowledge. Without statements indicating knowledge of the presence of a controlled substance, the government may fall short of meeting its burden of proof. Unlawful Search - While border crossing greatly diminishes a person's right to privacy, law enforcement agents often fail to follow constitutional safeguards, which can result in suppression of evidence. Coerced Confessions - Confessions obtained in violation of a suspect's right against self-incrimination or right to counsel should be excluded, which can limit the amount of evidence the government has to make its case. False Accusations - False accusations occur with every kind of crime. In drug smuggling cases, this could mean that police have planted evidence, or that a person caught with drugs might blame another person for putting the drugs where they were found. RELATED TOPICS: Tucson Drug Crimes Defense Narcotics Trafficking Defense Marijuana Crimes in Tucson Cultivation of Marijuana Defense Federal Criminal Defense in Tucson Money Laundering Defense Cases Asset Forfeiture/Seizures If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with a narcotics or smuggling offense, contact the Tucson Defenders now for a FREE CONSULTATION with a Tucson Criminal Defense Attorney. 520-585-5757.
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November 2024
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