A pair of indictments announced by a U.S. attorney’s office in Texas resulted in the arrest of seven people accused of drug trafficking. Raids conducted by law enforcement from multiple agencies apprehended six of the suspects in the area of Lubbock. Authorities caught the seventh person out of state.
The first indictment named five people ranging in ages from 20 to 36 and charged them with conspiracy to possess and distribute methamphetamine. In the second indictment, investigators accused a man and woman, ages 51 and 37, of conspiring to possess and distribute 50 grams or more of methamphetamine. If convictions result from these charges, the people could face maximum sentences of life in prison as well as hefty fines.
The investigation of the alleged methamphetamine ring represented a collaboration of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Texas Department of Public Safety and the Drug Enforcement Administration. The Levelland Police Department, the Cochran County Sheriff’s Office and U.S. Customs and Border Protection also contributed to the operation.
The substantial prison terms possible for these people illustrate the serious consequences that can arise from drug charges. A person accused of drug trafficking, possession or manufacturing has a right to seek legal counsel. A criminal defense attorney could take actions to protect the client’s rights when interacting with the criminal justice system. An attorney could advise the client before statements are made to investigators or in court. To prepare a defense, an attorney might examine the evidence for weaknesses, such as reliance on a questionable police informant or items seized without a search warrant.
