Since becoming the United States Attorney General, Jeff Sessions has continually misrepresented to the American public that the nation is facing a violent crime wave that poses a threat to our national security.
At the 63rd Biennial Conference of the National Fraternal Order of Police this past August, Sessions claimed, “violent crime is back with a vengeance.”
In response to this manufactured crime threat, the attorney general has been promoting tougher law enforcement practices, like bringing back mandatory minimum sentences for drug offenses, getting rid of sanctuary cities, providing police departments with military equipment, and having a zero tolerance policy when it comes to gangs and cartels.
As a result, violent gangs and drug cartels appear in media reports on a regular basis, especially here in Texas due to its shared border with Mexico.
If the more recent media reports are any indication, there will be a lion’s share of coverage given to these criminal organizations in the future.
Cartels and Gangs in the News
Federal agents recently arrested eight members – seven men and one woman – of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. The group was charged with conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance. They were supposedly engaged in a methamphetamine trafficking ring in the Dallas and DeSoto areas of Texas.
During the accompanying arrest searches, federal agents seized about 750 kilograms of meth valued roughly $6 million as well as two kilograms of cocaine and six kilograms of heroin.
The Jalisco drug cartel broke away from the Sinaloa cartel in 2010, and has since become fastest expanding cartel in Mexico.
Besides its widespread distribution of meth, heroin, and cocaine throughout the United States, Jalisco members have also been involved in “mass executions of rival cartel members and assaults on Mexican police and military.”
And this past June, 14 members of the Orrantia Drug Trafficking Organization, including their leader Mario Armando Orrantia, were arrested in El Paso by state and federal agents. During their investigation, law enforcement officials seized close to five kilograms of cocaine, 600 kilograms of marijuana, seven vehicles, and nearly $140,000.
The suspects are facing drug trafficking charges including conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute, and drug possession with intent to distribute. All but two of the suspects are looking at 10 years to life in prison if convicted. The other two suspects face up to five years, and up to 20 years, respectively.
These are just two recent incidents of cartel and gang members being arrested for drug crimes.
With attorney general using these arrests and other incidents, his calls for a crack down on both drug crimes and cartel and gang violence, will garner more misleading media coverage.
What this might mean for you?
Fighting Back Against Drug Charges
Attorney General Sessions has made drug crimes a law enforcement priority, calling for the prosecution of every crime involving drugs and the maximum penalty allowable.
This is problematic for a number of reasons, but if our justice department continues on this path, it could mean additional charges and enhanced penalties for all drug crimes, including minor, non-violent misdemeanor drug offenses.
That’s why it’s more important than ever to find an experienced Texas drug crimes attorney who will not only fight for your rights but will also fight against these draconian policies. A knowledgeable attorney will look at the facts of your case and craft an aggressive defense to get the best possible outcome of your charges being reduced, dismissed, or dropped altogether.
Don’t get caught in the crack down of cartels and gangs. Reach out to a skilled lawyer today.