Federal Drug Trafficking Lawyer

Federal Drug Trafficking Investigations

Drug trafficking investigations carried out by federal agencies are intensive and can involve multiple agencies interacting to find, detain, and prosecute people who are involved in drug trafficking schemes. Federal drug trafficking investigations are generally carried out by the following organizations:

• Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA)
• U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
• Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)

Federal agencies often partner with local drug task forces and state police, sheriff’s offices, and local city police departments in drug investigations. Federal, state, and local agencies often work together to conduct surveillance, carry out undercover buys, and execute search warrants.

The criminal defense drug team at SBBL Law has decades of combined professional experience working in and among such federal agencies and organizations, giving key insights into how investigations and the case-building process work. The investigation process typically involves:

• Surveillance and monitoring. Investigators may use undercover agents, confidential informants, anonymous tips, cell phone records, and electronic surveillance technologies to gain more insight into drug trafficking operations.
• Undercover operations and controlled buys. Investigators often conduct undercover buys or use informants to conduct controlled buys from drug trafficking targets.
• Search warrants. If there is probable cause to believe that evidence of drug trafficking activity is present in a specific location, search warrants can be issued to search vehicles, houses, and any location where it is suspected that drugs are being made, held, or sold.
• Seizure of illegal drugs and proceeds. Law enforcement will work to seize vehicles, drugs, money, cell phones, and other assets that have a connection with the suspected drug trafficking scheme.
• Laboratory analysis. Any drugs that were seized are analyzed in a lab to confirm substance composition.
• Questioning. Law enforcement may interrogate individuals arrested and people who are expected to have information to collect further evidence for building up a case.

Understanding the Process

Digital evidence plays a crucial role in federal cases through the examination of phone records, GPS tracking data, and social media activities. Investigators try to demonstrate a connection between multiple defendants through network or conspiracy charges. A defendant might be linked to just a single component of an alleged operation, like transportation or packaging, but can still face charges for the entire conspiracy.

An experienced drug crimes attorney can help ensure your rights are protected during a drug trafficking investigation, including:

• Preserving your right to legal counsel during all stages of the investigation
• Protecting your right to a fair trial, including access to exculpatory evidence and thorough cross-examination
• Challenging unlawful stops, searches, or seizures under the Fourth Amendment
• Invoking your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent and avoid self-incrimination
• Asserting your Sixth Amendment right to confront witnesses, including drug lab personnel, and understand the nature of the charges