Oklahoma authorities recently arrested eight people for allegedly attempting to distribute over 100 grams of marijuana throughout the state. The arrests are the culmination of an investigation that began in September 2016.
According to local media, a 40-year-old man was the leader of a drug-trafficking ring that transported large quantities of marijuana from Colorado Springs to Oklahoma City. They then made plans to distribute it to various locations in Oklahoma. During the investigation, law enforcement officers executed six traffic stops targeting members of the group and confiscated nearly 280 pounds of high-grade marijuana.
In addition to the ring leader, police also arrested six men, ages 33, 34, 40, 41 and 47, and one woman, age 29. They have each been charged with conspiring to possess and distribute 100 kilograms or more of marijuana. If convicted, they each face a mandatory minimum of five years in prison, but they could be sentenced to up to 40 years in prison. They also could be fined up to $5 million and must serve a term of supervised release following their prison sentence.
A criminal defense attorney could provide essential legal guidance to defendants facing charges for drug crimes such as drug possession and drug distribution. The attorney could review the details of the case and decide whether it’s better to fight the charges in court, which could lead to an acquittal or a dismissal of charges, or enter into plea negotiations with prosecutors. Under a plea deal, the defendant may be allowed to plead guilty to reduced charges, which could also lower the associated penalties.
