The Internet and Illegal Drug Distribution

 Posted on October 06, 2017 in Drug Crimes

Chicago has been listed as one of the seven major cities that have continuously had major drug problems and seizures. The other cities include: Denver, Detroit, Houston, Miami, New York, and Tucson. To this day, crack/cocaine is the biggest drug threat to the City of Chicago, even though heroin has spread through its neighborhoods. One may think that the only way to acquire illegal drugs is on the streets. However, with the Internet revolutionizing society and how people interact with each other, drug dealers have come up with a distribution system that has attracted many users, called Silk Road.

What Is Silk Road?

Silk Road is the main online site for illegal drug distribution that appeared in 2011. Drug users can use Silk Road to anonymously buy and sell drugs, as to increase the probability of avoiding any kind of detection by law enforcement. The buyer and seller can meet virtually, therefore maintaining less travel expenses, and transactions are typically used by Bitcoins.  All products are mailed to the recipient, and Silk Road has a value of over $20 million. There are often online discussions on how to avoid law enforcement detection, as well to rate the distributor and products.

How Is Silk Road Different from Street Level Distribution?

Drug dealers have often argued that buying and selling drugs online has greatly reduced the level of violence during the drug distribution process. However, with dependency on the Internet, there may sometimes be a need for a middle man. When distributing drugs on the streets, drug traffickers typically use “corridors,” or certain interstates, to sell and distribute drugs to different parts of the country. In street-level distribution, there is a better likelihood of violence between the buyer and the seller.

Consequences of Drug Trafficking in Illinois

If an individual is found selling or trafficking marijuana in the State of Illinois, then he or she may face various charges, depending on how much marijuana is brought in. For example, if the person brings in less than 2.5 grams of marijuana, then he or she will face a misdemeanor, spend six months imprisoned, and/or pay a maximum fine of $1,500. However, if the person brings in 10 to 30 grams of marijuana, then he or she will face a felony, between one and six years in prison, and/or a $25,000 maximum fine. If the person brings in between 2,000 and 5,000 grams of marijuana, then he or she will be charged with a felony, six to sixty years behind bars, and/or a $150,000 maximum fine.

Contact a Chicago Drug Defense Attorney

Drug dealing is a very serious crime that often comes with even worse consequences. This could mean lengthy imprisonment, costly fines, and drug-related health issues. If you have been accused of drug trafficking, you will need representation. With the Law Offices of Hal M. Garfinkel LLC, Chicago Criminal Defense Attorney by your side, you will be guaranteed the best outcome possible. To schedule your free initial consultation, call an experienced Chicago criminal defense attorney at 312-629-0669 to get the assistance you deserve.

Sources:

http://www.icjia.state.il.us/assets/articles/Drug%20distribution_Drug%20task%20forces%2008-17-16.pdf

http://norml.org/laws/item/illinois-penalties