The Harsh Consequences of Conspiring To Distribute Kilos of Fentanyl and Methamphetamine
Conspiring to distribute fentanyl or methamphetamine is a federal offense that carries harsh penalties. If you are charged with conspiring to distribute these drugs, it is vital that you don’t take the situation lightly, especially if your case involves large quantities of the drugs. In such cases, defendants often face mandatory minimum sentences. When a case involves kilograms of fentanyl and methamphetamine, defendants face the possibility of spending decades in prison.
In this article, we discuss the grave federal consequences of conspiring to distribute kilos of fentanyl and methamphetamine.
Why Are Fentanyl and Meth Cases Taken So Seriously?
Fentanyl is among the deadliest opioids on U.S. streets today. While it is an opioid like heroin and morphine, the CDC states that fentanyl is 50 times more potent than heroin and up to 100 times more potent than morphine. Every year, thousands of people die due to fentanyl overdoses.
Methamphetamine is a strong stimulant that can cause addiction. This drug is abused because it produces euphoric effects that can last up to a whole day. People who abuse meth may have episodes of violent behavior. Methamphetamine is categorized as a Schedule II controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act, meaning it has accepted medical uses but a high potential for abuse. Fentanyl is also classified as a Schedule II controlled substance.
The reason prosecutors take cases involving conspiracy to distribute fentanyl and meth so seriously is the immense public danger these drugs pose. The penalties that come with a conviction are meant to reflect this threat.
Penalties for Conspiring To Distribute Fentanyl and Meth
According to 21 U.S. Code § 846, conspiring to distribute controlled substances, including fentanyl and methamphetamine, carries the same penalties as the actual distribution itself. The exact penalties for conspiring to distribute fentanyl and meth depend on the amount of drugs involved. If you are charged with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl or 500 grams or more of a methamphetamine mixture, you could face a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years. If there are aggravating factors, such as the involvement of firearms or a criminal record, these penalties can increase significantly.
Penalties for Conspiring To Contribute Kilos of Fentanyl and Meth: Real Case Example
A recent case in Jacksonville, Florida, shows just how severe the consequences can be for people charged with conspiring to contribute large quantities of fentanyl and methamphetamine. In 2022 and 2023, five defendants were part of a drug trafficking operation that transported fentanyl and meth from Mexico through Houston, Texas, into Jacksonville, FL. One of the defendants coordinated the operation using a contraband cellphone from prison. The conspiracy unraveled after the DEA uncovered about 4.4 kilograms of meth, 6.7 kilograms of fentanyl, 1 kilogram of heroin, $1.6 million in cash, and loaded firearms. All the defendants pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy charges and each now faces a mandatory minimum of at least 10 years in federal prison.
If you or someone you know is under investigation for conspiring to distribute large quantities of fentanyl or meth, it is vital that you seek immediate guidance from an experienced criminal defense attorney. Federal prosecutors don’t take these cases lightly, and neither should you.
Contact an Orlando Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you or someone you know is facing charges of conspiracy to distribute fentanyl or methamphetamine, contact our experienced Orlando criminal lawyers at Joshi Law Firm, PA for legal help.
Source:
justice.gov/usao-mdfl/pr/members-jacksonville-drug-trafficking-organization-plead-guilty-operating-multi-kilo
