Drug Related Crimes: Organized Crime

Drug trafficking is largely facilitated through large networks or organizations which manufacture, import and sell illegal narcotics in the U.S. Because of globalization and an increased demand for controlled substances, organizations, such as drug cartels are more active than ever. The Federal authorities are increasing their vigilance for drug organizations because of their association with other crimes, such as prostitution, homicide, assault and money laundering. There is also a growing concern that these organizations are funding and are associated with terrorism in the world abroad.

Organized Crime Defense

Organized crime, also known as racketeering is a separate criminal offense from drug charges. This charge means that the accused was involved in an illegal organization. Organized crime is a serious offense, and many legitimate business owners can find themselves accused of money laundering or racketeering in New York state. Only a criminal attorney with experience defending drug offenses and organized crime can successfully protect their clients against charges this serious.

You need a criminal attorney who will take an aggressive stance against allegations of organized crime. Many of these charges are based on weak evidence that does not indicate the presence of a corrupt organization. Without a strong defense your financial assets could be seized or frozen, and then after being convicted you will find yourself in prison with heavy fines.

International Organizations

Most of the organizations which manufacture and export drugs exist outside of the U.S. Because of cultural, societal and legal differences drugs such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin and other synthetic drugs can be easily produced in countries such as Columbia, and then the drug organizations simply have to get the narcotics inside the U.S. in order to sell them.

Corrupt organizations also exist within the U.S. which distribute narcotics to users. When large sales are made, the money must be laundered so that law enforcement cannot track it to its original origin. Many of these operations take place within the U.S. and anyone who is involved in a money laundering scheme can quickly find themselves facing a number of state or federal charges.

Organized Crime Enforcement

The Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force is a special Federal agency that devotes itself to finding organized crime involved in drug trafficking and money laundering. It combines it efforts with many other Federal agencies such as the DEA and the FBI to find evidence on organized crime and reduce the amount of narcotics which are being imported and used in the U.S. A large part of their investigations involve analyzing financial records and obtaining intelligence on drug operations.