Not All Drug Routes Lead to America (Part 3)

The cocaine in Rojas was a million-dollar deal that was paid in American dollars by the Zetas, a Mexican drug cartel that a codefendant had seen sending drugs in vans towards the United States, and a meeting was held in Matamoros on the border with Texas to smooth things over when a large drug shipment fell through. Id.

There was no evidence in Rojas that the plane had capacity to fly to Europe.  Rojas, at 400.  One conspirator built the organization in Rojas specifically to import drugs into the United States.  Id., at 402.  Rojas also involved intercepted calls with coded language used by an air traffic controller, but someone like a controller would have much more inside information about a flight’s destination.

Lawyers must look closely at cases to ensure that the Government can meet its jurisdiction burden under unlawful importation.  Just because drugs are sent to  Mexico City, much less Panama City, does not mean that they are bound for the United States.  Mexican cartels do not grow much cocaine at all. They have to import it in bulk.   Thus, all the cocaine they are shipping to Europe comes from Colombia and must then be re-shipped to Europe on cargo planes or boats, normally from other countries.  The airports Latin America are easier to compromise than those in the United States, and importing to Europe can be less dangerous and more profitable.

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