When people think of drug charges, they may not think that charges involving marijuana are that serious. In some cases, that may be true. However, when people have large quantities of the drug, marijuana charges can be felonies and result in very serious punishments especially if police believe people have an intent to distribute.
In a recent case, three men in Chicago were arrested and charged with felony drug charges after a raid on a local residence. On Chicago’s Southwest side, police raided a 59-year-old man’s home and say that they found 166 pounds of marijuana. Police estimate the marijuana to be worth around $1.1 million. In addition to the marijuana, police also allege to have found $44,000 in cash, cocaine, ecstasy and crystal meth. Four guns were also found during the raid — two of which police say were reported as stolen.
Two other men — ages 33 and 31 — were also arrested in the raid. Each of these men also faces weapons and drug charges. They are each being held on $10,000 bail.
According to police, they conducted a raid on the property in this case after an investigation. Following these charges, defendants in cases like these, will want to ensure the investigation and subsequent raid was legally conducted. In these situations, police usually need to obtain a search warrant in order to search a person’s property. Without properly obtaining a search warrant, any evidence — including drugs — found in the search will not be allowed as evidence in court.
Those facing drug charges in Chicago, even for marijuana, need to ensure these rights and others are upheld during the criminal proceedings. Otherwise, people can face very serious consequences including fines, long prison sentences and others.
Source: Chicago Tribune, “3 charged after cops find 166 pounds of marijuana at home,” Oct. 3, 2013
