Many people believe marijuana should be legalized in the United States. And while there are some instances in which the drug can be obtained legally, it’s still considered a controlled substance and is treated as such within the parameters of the law. Recently, a Michigan man was in federal court on serious drug charges for helping to transport almost 3,000 pounds of marijuana into the United States.
Reportedly, federal agents conducted an inspection of a semi truck that was entering the United States from Mexico. Court documentation confirms that the truck had been carrying 299 pieces of wood office furniture. Officers conducted an x-ray examination of the truck and noted something unusual about the furniture.
As it turned out, the wooden office furniture was filled with marijuana. The officers subsequently conducted an undercover operation to continue the drug delivery. Twenty minutes after the undercover officers reached their destination to deliver the furniture; the Michigan man arrived and helped unload the truck. Shortly thereafter, officers took him under arrest.
After having been read his rights, the man told officers that he ordered the furniture about four weeks prior, from a person living in Guadalajara. He had been told he could make extra money by helping to smuggle illegal drugs into the United States. He also stated that he was unaware that the drugs were inside the furniture until the truck was already crossing into the US.
The man now faces serious drug charges for conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute at least 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. Because the man allegedly admitted his intent to law enforcement officials, he has exhibited a measure of cooperation. Nonetheless, he could face prison time as a result of his involvement in the incident; however, legal representation may be able to secure some leniency as a result of his willingness to cooperate with authorities.
Source: The Detroit Free Press, “Detroit man charged with helping to sneak 3000 pounds of marijuana into U.S.,” Tresa Baldas, July 28, 2011
