Four men from the Indianapolis area have been arrested on suspicion of importing and selling large quantities of illicit drugs in the local area. Because of prior convictions on similar drug dealing charges, three of the suspects face lengthy prison sentence if they should be convicted.
According to a press release from the United States Attorney’s Office, four men were arrested on Nov. 14, 2017. The four men allegedly imported large quantities of heroin and methamphetamine with the intent to distribute the drugs. The press release said that federal officials seized $7,000 worth of drugs, including fentanyl-laced heroin and prescription pills. Officers also reportedly seized a vehicle and three firearms. The vehicle allegedly has a hidden compartment.
According to the Assistant United States Attorney who is prosecuting the case, two of the men face life in prison if they are convicted. Another member of the group faces a possible 20-year sentence if convicted. One of the men facing a life sentence has two previous felony convictions for drug possession and other misdemeanor charges in Wayne County. A number of law enforcement agencies assisted arresting and charging the four men, including the Drug Enforcement Administration, Internal Revenue Service, FBI, Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms Division of the U. S. Treasury Department and the Richmond Police Department.
The press release describing the arrests and charges leaves out several crucial details. Was the evidence seized pursuant to a valid search warrant or some other lawful reason? Where was the evidence when it was seized? How were the four men identified? The answers to these questions may provide grounds for a capable criminal defense attorney to obtain a favorable plea agreement or an outright acquittal if the case goes to trial.
Source: Pal-item.com, “Richmond man caught in federal heroin, meth trafficking case,” Mike Emery, Nov. 14, 2017