Home » Men's Interest Articles » Arrests in Nationwide Drug-Smuggling Ring Operating in Virginia
Arrests in Nationwide Drug-Smuggling Ring Operating in Virginia
Recent arrests demonstrate the effort the government is putting into prosecution of drug crimes, making the advocacy of an experienced criminal defense attorney even more important.
August 11, 2011 /Mens Interest PR News/ -- In June 2011, a federal prosecutor in Virginia announced 17 arrests related to a nationwide drug-smuggling ring operating in Virginia. The arrests demonstrate the effort and resources the government is putting into prosecution of drug crimes, making the advocacy of an experienced criminal defense attorney even more important for people facing drug charges.
Federal Investigation
Court records indicate that the drug-smuggling ring was uncovered after the arrest of one of the co-conspirators in January 2010. While detained on marijuana distribution charges, court documents state that the co-conspirator telephoned others to ensure that they continued his marijuana dealing operation.
The accused leader of the ring is Anthony Guidry, Sr., also known as "Ant," of Vallejo, California, who allegedly trained and now works with three other men as interconnected wholesale dealers of marijuana they either grow themselves or purchase from growers in Northern California.
Court documents state that Guidry is the owner of a company named "Daddy's Girl Handyman," which is based out of his residence and is allegedly a front for him to launder drug proceeds while appearing to have legitimate income. In a two-year period, investigators allege he received deposits of nearly $1 million into various accounts.
Nationwide Operation
Guidry allegedly focused on extending his enterprise to as many states as possible, recruiting distributors from all walks of life, including college athletes, to help open distribution centers in cities and college campuses in Virginia, Georgia, Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Texas, Louisiana, Florida, New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
Court records indicate that he controls more than 20 bank accounts that conspirators use to deposit proceeds from marijuana sales in whatever state sales are made. To avoid law enforcement detection, Guidry allegedly hired individuals to fly around the country to pick up bulk cash payments and return to California.
Drug Charges
All individuals arrested in the sting were charged with conspiracy to distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana, which carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison if convicted. Court documents indicate that additional charges carrying a maximum penalty of life imprisonment also may be filed against certain co-conspirators.
Federal Drug Trafficking Penalties for Marijuana
The sentences for federal drug possession and marijuana trafficking convictions are severe. For a conviction of trafficking less than 50 kg of marijuana or 1 to 49 pants, the penalties are:
First offense:
- Not more than 5 years in prison
- Fine of not more than $250,000
Second offense:
- Not more than 10 years in prison
- Fine of $500,000 if an individual
For larger amounts of marijuana, the trafficking penalties escalate rapidly. Following a conviction for trafficking 1,000 or more plants or 1,000 kg or marijuana, the penalties are:
First offense
- Not less than 10 years in prison, not more than life
- Fine of not more than $4 million
- If death or serious injury resulted, not less than 20 years in prison, not more than life
Second offense:
- Not less than 20 years in prison, not more than life
- Fine of not more than $8 million
- If death or serious injury resulted, a mandatory life sentence
Part of the Larger War On Drugs
This group of arrests represents the latest chapter in the ongoing "war on drugs." The term dates from the 1970s, when it was first used by the Nixon administration after the passage of the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970.
The Act was one in a long series of legislation passed during the War on Drugs. One result of the war has been that the United States has the second-highest incarceration rate in the world per capita. Many of those imprisoned are in jail for drug crimes.
However, not everyone facing drug charges ends up in jail. Drug possession and distribution cases are nuanced, and the government's case against an individual can fall apart over a seemingly small and technical -- yet vitally important -- detail. People accused of crimes have Constitutional rights that must be defended; if police or prosecutors infringe on those rights at any time, they may lose their cases.
The consequences of a drug conviction can be severe, but allegations of drug crimes can be defended. If you are facing drug charges, contact a criminal defense attorney with experience in drug cases to begin your defense.
Article provided by The Law Offices of Daniel J Miller
Visit us at www.legaldefense.com
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