May 12, 2012 /24-7PressRelease / -mainly because of its geography, Florida has long been a favourite place of drug trafficking organizations international. The State gained national attention in the 1980s, after he became an outpost for rings of distribution of cocaine in Central America and South America.
When these groups declined, the Mexican cartels intervened in the foreground. In recent years, cartels have established networks of drug throughout the State.
Earlier this year, State and federal investigators captured members of Mexican marijuana distribution organization that worked in Central Florida. At the time of the bust, police officers size 90 guns and more than 6,000 pounds of marijuana. It is estimated that the ring was generating millions of dollars in revenue.
Prosecutors said that marijuana was brought in the Mexico in McAllen, Texas. It was then shipped to Panama City, where it was divided into small plots and sent to Jacksonville and Florida for the distribution Centre.
Nine members of the ring were arrested during the raid. They performed various roles in the Organization, including organizers, truck drivers, deliverymen, and off-loaders, according to the authorities.
Florida and federal Marijuana penalties
Even if marijuana has acquired a reputation as a "soft drug", drug-related offences are always very strictly punished. This is particularly true in crimes involving large-scale trafficking organizations or interstate distribution of drugs.
Under federal law, a first offense of trafficking more than 1,000 kilograms of marijuana - about 2 200 pounds - runs a mandatory minimum of 10 years and a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. The penalties are higher if someone suffers death or serious injury in the drug.
Traffic in small quantities is always severe consequences. A first offence of distribution of less than 50 kilograms of marijuana is punishable by up to five years in a federal prison.
While the Federal Government generally continued drug crimes involving interstate distribution, the sale of marijuana is also liable to State crime. In General, Florida marijuana penalties are important, but less strict than those imposed under the Federal Act. For example, the sale of 2 000 to 10 000 pounds of marijuana is punishable between seven and 30 years in the State prison.
Florida residents must not make the mistake of assuming that only large-scale drug traffickers will be punished. The sale or possession of something more than 20 grams of marijuana is a crime of State punishable by up to five years in prison.
If you are charged with a State or federal drug, it is important to work with a lawyer of experienced criminal defence which can help to protect your rights.
Article provided by Moses & Rooth, lawyers
Visit us at the www.mosesandrooth.com
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