There are many different drug crimes in the state of Louisiana, with the penalties varying in severity. Someone may be charged with possession of marijuana or another controlled substance. More serious drug charges include intent to sell or trafficking. A man recently pleaded guilty on several charges for his alleged role in a multi-state operation.
According to reports from the Louisiana State Police, a 33-year-old man was arrested in Aug. 2016. Officers had apparently discovered over 400 pounds of marijuana stored in 55-gallon drums. Law enforcement officials claim that the marijuana was hidden in containers being shipped from another state. The containers were evidently addressed to a warehouse belonging to the man.
Upon a search of the man’s home, officers purportedly found cocaine, steroids and more marijuana. Police arrested the man as well as his girlfriend. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit marijuana trafficking and conspiracy to commit money laundering.
The United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Louisiana stated that this arrest was part of a larger investigation involving apparent drug activity in California. If convicted, the man could face five years in prison for money laundering and 10 years for the drug charge. Police have stated he may be required to pay up to a $10 million fine.
As noted above, convictions of drug crimes may have serious ramifications, such as monetary penalties or time in jail. Though someone may be facing drug charges, he or she has the right to present a defense. It would be advantageous to have someone who thoroughly understands the legal process working on one’s behalf. A Louisiana criminal defense attorney will work to get a client’s life back to normal as soon as possible.
Source: nola.com, “Westwego man admits trafficking more than 1,000 kilos of marijuana”, Michelle Hunter, March 21, 2018