A Connecticut pilot was sentenced to 30 months in prison for taking part in a marijuana-trafficking conspiracy. After he has served his time in prison, he will be released with two years of supervision. The 62-year-old man is believed to have transported two tons of marijuana during a several-year period.
The Federal Aviation Administration began investigating the man in 2016 after noticing that he made regular flights between Connecticut and northern California. In 2017, agents searched his plane after it landed at the Sikorsky airport. During the search and seizure, agents found more than 400 pounds of marijuana. It was later determined that the marijuana was intended to be distributed to several men in Connecticut.
Police detained the man after the search. Further investigation revealed that he had been trafficking marijuana from California to Connecticut for more than two years. He pleaded guilty in May 2019 to possession with intent to distribute and the conspiracy to distribute 1,000 kilograms of marijuana. As part of the plea, he also agreed to give up his aircraft. The men that received the marijuana were found guilty or plead guilty to marijuana distribution charges as well.
Drug charges typically arise when people are found in possession of illegal drugs. If the police find a large amount of drugs or drug paraphernalia during the search, more charges may be added. Those convicted of drug charges may have to pay fines, forfeit property or spend time in prison. Any drugs or drug evidence seized during the search must be obtained legally. If it wasn’t, the evidence might not be admissible in court. A lawyer might look over the search warrant and details of the seizure. If there was no warrant or an area was searched that wasn’t included in the warrant, the evidence may be inadmissible. The charges might then be reduced or dismissed.
