Drug trafficking is a statewide and international illegal trade which involves the cultivation, manufacturing, distribution, and sale of controlled substances. It is estimated that the drug industry earns $321.6 billion every year.
Drug trafficking is considered one of the most serious drug crimes in Minnesota and the rest of the United States. In fact, Minnesota made changes to their existing laws in 2016, placing harsher penalties on those convicted of drug trafficking.
The following are the quantities of drugs a person must possess to be charged with first-degree trafficking:
- Possession of 25 grams or more cocaine, methamphetamine, or heroin
- Sale of 50 grams of cocaine, meth, heroin, or a hallucinogen
- Possession of 100 grams or more of cannabis
- Sale of 50 grams or more of cannabis
- Possession of 500 grams of other narcotics
- Sale of 200 doses of hallucinogen
- Manufacturing any amount of meth
This drug crime is punishable by a maximum 30-year prison sentence and a fine of up to $1 million.
In addition to state penalties, if the crime involved multiple states or countries, the perpetrators will face federal drug trafficking charges.
The following are the quantities of drugs a person must possess to be charged with federal drug trafficking:
- Possession of up to 4999 grams of cocaine or 49 grams of cocaine base
- Possession of up to 999 grams of heroin
- Possession of up to 49 grams of pure meth or 999 grams of a mixture
- Possession of up to 99 grams of fentanyl
- Possession of up to 9 grams of LSD
A first-time federal drug trafficking conviction is punishable by imprisonment of up to 40 years and a fine of up to $2 million.
If you have been accused of a drug crime in Minnesota, contact our Minneapolis legal team at Brockton D. Hunter P.A. today to schedule a free consultation.