Drug Trafficking And Its Penalties

What is drug trafficking? Drug trafficking is the illegal production, distribution and exchange of psychoactive substances. The substances are sold in black markets, especially in areas with low or “zero-tolerance” rules. It is a grave criminal offense since it  triggers other forms of acts such as violence, crime, rebellion and vandalism.

How Drug Trafficking Is Usually Carried Out

The act includes smuggling or secretly transporting legal or illegal drugs into a zero-tolerance zone. Selling or trading legal drugs like tobacco or alcohol to individuals under the age of consent still counts as smuggling in most nations. Several drugs with medicinal value are being abused through drug trafficking. Since the more potent prescription drugs are kept at bay in pharmacies, drug pushers smuggle them out into distribution. Either the prescription drugs themselves are given out or sold or prescriptions are sold by legal health care providers.

The Anti-Drug Act states that the use, production, distribution, exchange, trade, selling or buying of illegal substances is strictly prohibited. Any individual should not possess any of the substances unless ordered by a legitimate health care provider with rightful reason to do so. No individual is allowed to transport or move illegal substances from one area to another, unless there is sufficient information or knowledge by the government or an authorized agency. Any person or group of people found with an illegal substance will be subject to investigation.

Drug Trafficking Via The Web

The internet has become a big market for illegal trade and selling of harmful drugs. Some websites offer prescription drugs without the need of a prescription at relatively cheap prices. Buyers usually pay via credit cards. Some buyers do not even have any idea that the process is illegal and order for personal treatment. However, even with lack of knowledge or before the individual finds out that the action is unlawful, should he be found possessing the drugs without due reason and formal ownership, he will be held liable for the criminal offense.

Penalizing Drug Traffickers

Drug trafficking is a serious crime and penalties can be in fines, imprisonment or both. Fines can range from $10,000 to $1,000,000. Imprisonment for the traffickers and pushers can range from three to twenty years. More serious forms of drug trafficking like belonging to a bigger rebel or terrorist faction can subject a guilty individual to capital punishment or life imprisonment. Possessing illegal drugs without full knowledge is still subject to punishment under law. Other criminal offenses can also be derived from drug trafficking such as theft, fraud and terrorism.

Depending on the type of drug, the substance can be sold at different prices and periods. Heroin and cocaine are the usual products bought and traded expensively. Tobacco and alcohol are especially common in stores and bars that sell them to minors. Anabolic steroids are distributed to gyms and via mail. The Drug Control and Customs and Trade Departments have been extending efforts to slow down and eradicate all forms of drug trafficking. Despite the actions, the illegal substances still flood street corners and alleys. Further investigation and studies are still underway to help solve the growing problem.