San Diego police discovered nearly 18 pounds of cocaine at a checkpoint along Interstate 5 recently, according to an OC Register article. The contraband drugs are estimated to have a street value of roughly $300,000. The checkpoint was conducted last Saturday and federally funded under a Department of Homeland Security grant called Operation Stonegarden in an effort to quell drug smugglers along the freeways. The checkpoint was located near the San Clemente Border Patrol inspection station.
When questioned by deputies, the two men in the vehicle raised suspicion when they gave differing responses about their destination. With the help of drug dogs, police discovered the cocaine in a newer model white Dodge truck. Both men were arrested for drug trafficking and possession of cocaine with intent to sell.
California is the leading state in the nation for arrests for possession of illegal drugs. According to the California Department of Corrections, about 20,000 of the state’s 160,000 prisoners are confined for drug offenses. A California drug offense includes being under the influence of a controlled substance as well as possession, use, sale or furnishing of any drug or relating paraphernalia that is prohibited by the Health and Safety Code law, including cocaine, methamphetamines, marijuana and ecstasy.
If you have been charged with a drug offense, do not speak to anyone, including friends or family about your case; as anything you say may be used against you in a court of law. It is best to contact a skilled Orange County criminal and drug crimes defense attorney who has experience defending drug-related offenses. The penalties for drug crimes vary greatly and depend on quantity, classification and purpose the drug was possessed. In order to achieve the best possible outcome for your drug case, contact a skilled drug crime attorney at Sitkoff & Hanrahan. for a free consultation by calling at 866-430-8383.
Source report: http://www.ocregister.com/news/deputies-234338-checkpoint-department.html