International Charges
International Drug Charges
International drug charges are growing in number, and there are several reasons for this phenomenon. One reason is the heightened priority that’s been given to enforcement in recent years, as public policy seemingly places drug crimes near the top of almost any list. Another is the fact that the United States has a plethora of ports and border crossings that are not guarded as well as they could be, which only creates a perceived opportunity for those who wish to engage in such activities.
Regardless of the reasons for the growth in this type of situation, if you face any sort of international drug charges, you need to take action immediately. The Drug Enforcement Agency, the FBI and even the Department of Homeland Security are all pursuing alleged drug traffickers relentlessly, which means that you need the help of our lawyers in order to make sure that your rights are properly protected and enforced.
Below is a brief overview of the issue of international drug charges in the United States.
The INL
The Bureau for International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is an office of the U.S. State Department that is charged with protecting the borders of the United States from international drug trafficking. The INL enforces its mission by inspecting shipments and vessels that may be intercepted and providing support for other agencies within the federal government. The INL is a widely-feared entity, and it’s ‘street’ name is often referred to as ‘drugs and thugs,’ and the INL can enforce drug laws in a variety of ways, including investigating charges of money laundering and the like as they relate to drug offenses.
Heightened Awareness — Public Policy
Perhaps the biggest reason that international drug charges are becoming more prevalent in the United States is because of the extreme priority that’s placed on guarding the country against terrorism. For instance, Afghanistan is a country that’s not only known as a terrorist haven to many, but it’s also the leading producer and exporter of opium, heroin and related drugs in the world today.
This is why and how so many federal agencies are involved with investigating these crimes and enforcing the strict laws regarding international trafficking, as many feel that these situations are often tied to the funding of terrorism. Therefore, if you are charged with an international drug crime, you could face a litany of charges that could carry sentences that are nothing short of astounding in nature.
Your Next Step
If you face any sort of international drug charge, you need to act immediately. Contact us as soon as possible to schedule a consultation, as your freedom and future are in extreme peril if you face this circumstance. However, you do still have rights as a defendant, but you need the help of an experienced criminal defense attorney to make sure that none of them are overlooked and therefore waived. Contact the Blanch Law Firm today.