Not All Drug Routes Lead to America (Part 1)

The Sherman and Plano Federal Courts are full of extradition cases from Latin America regarding drug smuggling.  These individuals have often never set foot into the United States, so how can they be prosecuted here.   Like the previous blog on airplane jurisdiction, the United States Congress has passed laws to make their global land jurisdiction as broad as possible.  U.S.C. 959(c) states:

(a) Manufacture or distribution for purpose of unlawful importation

“It shall be unlawful for any person to manufacture or distribute a controlled substance in schedule I or II or flunitrazepam or a listed chemical intending, knowing, or having reasonable cause to believe that such substance or chemical will be unlawfully imported into the United States or into waters within a distance of 12 miles of the coast of the United States.”

There must be sufficient evidence that the drugs were intended to be imported into the United States for a grand jury to indict based on probable cause, and for a jury to find guilt beyond a reasonable doubt for conviction.  This can be proven by direct or circumstantial evidence through telephone records, witness testimony, flight logs and other sources.

If you or a loved one is charged with a crime, call Micah Belden now at 903-744-4252.