Sometimes it’s just easier to put something in the mail. Apparently this isn’t only true for your bills, but also controlled substances. According to the Houston Chronicle, drug traffickers are turning to the mail system more and more often with agents in Houston intercepting 15 packages in the last 60 days.
Often the mail system is easier than using a courier or mule. Drug rings can package their illegal substances within other materials to disguise their smell and their weight. Using dried chili peppers didn’t work as well for one trafficker as he may have thought- three were arrested for conspiracy to mail marijuana this way.
When a package is sent it can be easily tracked online, giving traffickers a greater ability to monitor where their product is at what time. If for some reason it is delayed, the intended recipient can refuse delivery to avoid a potential arrest.
The problem with using the U.S. Postal Service for trafficking drugs is that it immediately becomes a federal crime, even if the drugs don’t cross state lines. However, the Chronicle points out what may already be obvious—that not all these packages originate in Texas, nor do they all reach their final destination here.
With increased enforcement on the Mexican borders traffickers may feel that the mail is their best option. It doesn’t allow for the same mass quantities of drugs to be sent, but there seems to be a slightly lesser chance of it being intercepted.
Because you can’t send a truck full of marijuana through the mail, this is mostly appealing to small time traffickers, but traffickers none the less. Even dealers seeking to expand their operations may dabble in trafficking through the mail.
The lure of drug dealing is about money. For many it’s seen as an easy buck. Dealers don’t think they’ll be the one to get caught. If they did, they probably wouldn’t take the risk.
However, many do get caught. A look at prison populations reveals those who weren’t so good at flying below the radar in regards to their drug enterprise. Rarely, however, is it the big time dealers who get caught. Instead it’s the guys on the corner or the weed man down the street.
It only takes one time, one drug sale to the wrong person to change your life forever. For selling less than one gram of meth you could do up to 2 years in a Texas state jail.
Facing drug charges including delivery or possession with intent to sell is difficult. With the help of a defense attorney, you may be able to get the charges reduced or negotiate a plea bargain.
If you’re facing drug charges contact our attorneys for a free consultation.
