Definition of Drug Trafficking

Drug trafficking typically refers to the possession of an illegal drug in a predetermined quantity that constitutes the drug is going to be sold. The severity of the crime depends on the specific drug, the state and the quantity.

Legal Definition

The US. Legal definition of drug trafficking is "an offense under federal, state, or local law that prohibits the manufacture, import, export, distribution, or dispensing of a controlled substance (or a counterfeit substance) or the possession of a controlled substance (or a counterfeit substance) with intent to manufacture, import, export, distribute, or dispense."

Quantity

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration sets standards that equate a type of drug to a quantity that is considered trafficking. For example, if someone is caught with a large amount of a drug, she obviously is not intending on using the entire amount herself, constituting intent to traffic the drug.

Location

Federal laws are more stringent in border states than in others. For example, California and Florida hold the most severe penalties for drug trafficking.

Statistics

The Dictionary of American History states that 8 percent of the world's trade revenue comes from drug trafficking. Clearly, drug trafficking is a profitable crime within the U.S.

Penalties

The penalties of a drug trafficking offense vary by state, type of drug and quantity. In severe cases, a sentence of life in prison is common.

Resources

For a full description of drug trafficking crimes broken down by drug and the quantity, visit the DEA's website listed in the Resources section of this article.

References

• US Legal Definitions
• US Drug Enforcement Administration
• Dictionary of American History

Resources

• U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration