Nearly 70 Arrested in Atlanta Drug Trafficking Investigation

Atlanta Capitol Building

Atlanta, Ga. - Nearly seventy people have been accused as a result of a month long federal drug trafficking investigation.

The FBI, the DEA, the Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force, and some local state agencies worked together during the investigation. The investigation resulted in the seizure of upwards of sixty kilograms of methamphetamine. U.S. Attorney Charlie Peeler made a statement to the Atlanta Journal Constitution saying, “Law enforcement in Georgia (is) aggressively working to find and arrest individuals distributing dangerous drugs in our communities. This investigation is a textbook example of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies working together to stem the flow of illegal narcotics and the severe damage they cause within our communities.”

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, many of the cases I handle deal with serious drug offenses. Even though these charges are on a federal level, I will focus on the offense of trafficking methamphetamine as it stands according to Georgia Law.

Trafficking Methamphetamine in Georgia

O.C.G.A. §16-13-31 (e) defines Trafficking Methamphetamine in Georgia as:

Any person who knowingly sells, delivers, or brings into this state or has possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or any mixture containing either methamphetamine or amphetamine, as described in Schedule II, in violation of this article commits the felony offense of trafficking in methamphetamine or amphetamine and, upon conviction thereof, shall be punished as follows:

(1) If the quantity of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or a mixture containing either substance involved is 28 grams or more, but less than 200 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of ten years and shall pay a fine of $200,000.00;

(2) If the quantity of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or a mixture containing either substance involved is 200 grams or more, but less than 400 grams, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 15 years and shall pay a fine of $300,000.00; and

(3) If the quantity of methamphetamine, amphetamine, or a mixture containing either substance involved is 400 grams or more, the person shall be sentenced to a mandatory minimum term of imprisonment of 25 years and shall pay a fine of $1 million.

Practice Note

Drug crimes in Georgia are handled very harshly. If you or a loved one have been arrested for drug possession or any drug related crime, call our offices now.