MarijuanaWith the strict laws against marijuana trafficking in the US, drug smugglers are getting increasingly desperate—and creative—with their attempts to bring more pot into the US. A recent drug bust by the US Customs and Border Protection Agency uncovered a massive shipment of marijuana disguised as the distinctly orange vegetable we all know as carrots.

The drugs were wrapped up inside orange packaging made to resemble carrots, and the border agents removed nearly three thousand bags of the pretend vegetables from among a shipment of real carrots arriving from Mexico. The marijuana weighed 2,393 pounds all told. The bust was performed at the Pharr-Reynosa International Bridge in Texas, thanks to the help of some particularly skilled drug-sniffing canines, who alerted the border agents of the crime. The overall street value of the large drug shipment came to just under $500,000. Additional details are currently being probed by the Department of Homeland Security.

According to Pharr-Reynosa Port Director Efrain Solis Jr, the officers stationed at the border are “always ready to meet those challenges and remain vigilant towards any type of illicit activities.” The challenges he was referring to include the increased creativity of desperate drug smugglers attempting to bring large amounts of contraband into the US from Mexico, a common trafficking route. While this shipment was uncovered before the drugs even entered the US, there are large amounts that regularly do bypass American protection and find their way into our markets.

For the many Americans who have been charged with possession of marijuana and possession with attempt to distribute, the price can be steep. Marijuana possession was recently legalized in marijuana but only up to six ounces for those over the age of 21. Possessing marijuana in amounts over six ounces, growing your own marijuana, and using underage all leave you open to potential legal consequences. Fees and jail times additionally increase if the charges are placed as possession with intent to distribute for this and other drugs. Only licensed retailers can legally sell marijuana.

If you have been charged with a marijuana or other drug related offense, you will need an experienced and accomplished attorney on your side to fight the charges. Even if you have been convicted, I can still help you to get the support and assistance you need. For a free consultation about my services and the way that I can put my stellar track record to work for you, call me, Leon Matchin today at (732) 662-7658 to learn more.