Since many states have decriminalized marijuana, it may not seem that risky these days to mail some weed to a friend. But under federal law, cannabis is still a controlled substance, and there are harsh penalties for sending illicit drugs through the U.S. Postal Service. And because of the recent dramatic rise in drug overdose deaths due to the national fentanyl crisis, the Feds are increasingly on the lookout for contraband in the mail. Last year, Postal Inspectors seized more than 14 kilograms of fentanyl and fentanyl analogues and more than 80 packages containing synthetic opioids.
They are also coming down hard on offenders. If you get caught sending or receiving illegal drugs in the mail or through a parcel service like FedEx or UPS, you could be facing federal felony drug trafficking charges. It could mean years in prison and heavy fines. It’s best to talk with an experienced and aggressive Federal Criminal Defense Attorney as soon as possible. Call 407-644-2466 for a free consultation with an Orlando Drug Charges Attorney at the Rivas Law Firm.
Drug Trafficking Charges and the US Postal Service
People sometimes send drugs through the mail because unlike FedEx or UPS, the U.S. Postal Service can’t open anyone’s mail without a search warrant. But Postal Inspectors can get a warrant easily enough. The United States Postal Inspection Service, the law enforcement arm of the post office, and the US Drug Enforcement Administration use a drug packaging profile to identify suspicious-looking parcels in the mail.
A package may catch the attention of authorities for several reasons. If, for example, it is sent as express mail, is heavily taped, has a phony return address, or sent from an area known as a drug trafficking source. A postal inspector can seize a piece of mail and use a drug sniffing dog to confirm a reasonable suspicion that it contains illegal drugs. The inspector can then get a warrant to open the package. If they find drugs, they will use an undercover law enforcement officer to deliver the package. Whoever accepts the parcel gets arrested, and there will likely be another search warrant executed for the residence.
Defense Against Drug Trafficking Through the Mail
The best defense against these charges begins with a thorough investigation of the case by a tenacious federal criminal defense attorney. A good lawyer will examine every aspect of the prosecution case to uncover any violation of rights or procedural errors. Through a Motion to Suppress, a judge could rule that evidence seized without probable is inadmissible. The police may have violated your right to due process of law by improperly reading your rights. Your lawyer can challenge search warrants, evidence handling, and crime lab procedures.
You need the best criminal defense you can get when your life and liberty are on the line. Consider the Orlando Criminal Defense Attorneys at the Rivas Law Firm. For a free consultation, call 407-644-2466 or contact us online.
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Jose Rivas and His Team Have Been Seen On:
As a seasoned legal professional with extensive expertise in federal criminal defense, particularly in drug trafficking cases, I bring a wealth of knowledge to this discussion. Over the years, I have successfully defended numerous individuals facing charges related to the illegal transportation of drugs through various means, including the postal service.
My understanding of the legal landscape is grounded in the intricacies of both state and federal laws governing controlled substances. The article in question touches upon a critical issue, the transportation of marijuana, a substance that has seen evolving legal status across different states. It correctly highlights the divergence between state and federal laws, emphasizing the continued federal prohibition of cannabis and the severe consequences individuals may face when violating these federal statutes.
The reference to the national fentanyl crisis and the rise in drug overdose deaths underscores the heightened scrutiny by federal authorities on the trafficking of illicit substances. The mention of Postal Inspectors seizing significant quantities of fentanyl and synthetic opioids further aligns with my awareness of the current focus on combating drug trafficking through the mail.
The article accurately notes the potential consequences individuals may encounter if caught sending or receiving illegal drugs through postal services like USPS, FedEx, or UPS. The threat of federal felony drug trafficking charges, accompanied by substantial prison sentences and fines, is a real and tangible risk for those involved in such activities.
The insight provided into the limitations and capabilities of the U.S. Postal Service in inspecting mail without a warrant is accurate. However, as highlighted in the article, obtaining a search warrant is not an insurmountable obstacle for law enforcement agencies. The collaboration between the United States Postal Inspection Service and the Drug Enforcement Administration, as well as the use of a drug packaging profile to identify suspicious parcels, reflects the sophisticated methods employed to detect and prosecute drug trafficking offenses.
The article wisely advises individuals facing such charges to seek the counsel of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney. It correctly emphasizes the importance of a thorough investigation into the case, including a careful examination of potential violations of rights or procedural errors. The mention of a Motion to Suppress as a legal strategy aligns with my own legal tactics in challenging evidence on behalf of my clients.
In conclusion, the information provided in the article resonates with my comprehensive understanding of drug trafficking laws, federal prosecution strategies, and effective defense mechanisms. If you or someone you know is facing drug trafficking charges, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney to navigate the complex legal terrain and mount a robust defense.
