A Maryland man was recently sentenced to 19 years in federal prison for distributing fentanyl and violating his probation. The charges stem from his arrest during a drug bust in June 2019.
According to court documents, the defendant, age 42, was taken into custody when agents from the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Wicomico County Narcotics Task Force executed a search warrant at a property on the 200 block of Clover Street in Salisbury. During the search, the agents allegedly found a large amount of fentanyl, which they believed was intended for distribution. They also discovered that the defendant was on probation for a previous drug conviction. He was arrested and charged with various drug offenses.
The raid was the culmination of a long-term investigation into the activities of a large drug trafficking ring operating in Wicomico County. A number of other individuals connected to the ring have also been arrested. Multiple agencies assisted with the investigation, including the Maryland State Police Gang Unit, the Wicomico County Sheriff’s Department, the United States Postal Inspection Service and the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
If convicted, defendants arrested on drug charges could face harsh consequences, including lengthy prison terms, heavy monetary fines and the forfeiture of certain assets. Because the stakes are so high, it might be prudent for defendants to contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. After assessing the case, the attorney may be able to develop a defense against the accusations. For example, if authorities violated a defendant’s rights during the search and seizure process, any evidence collected might be thrown out, causing the case to fall apart. If the case appears solid, legal counsel might still be able to negotiate a plea deal that significantly reduces the charges, which may lead to a lighter sentence.