How Police Build a Drug Trafficking Case in Georgia: Evidence Prosecutors Use
The most serious of all drug offense charges is a drug trafficking charge. Most believe that a drug trafficking charge is only levied against those who are large-scale dealers. The truth is that a drug trafficking case is built on a number of different pieces of evidence, which is not necessarily based on finding drugs. This is why it is so important to understand how a case is built against the accused.
Drug quantity and weight
One of the key pieces of evidence in a Georgia drug trafficking case is the weight of the drugs. In Georgia, a person can be charged with trafficking based on the amount of a controlled substance they possess. For example, if a person possesses 28 grams of cocaine or more, they can automatically be charged with trafficking, even if their stash is for personal use.
As a result, law enforcement officers are very meticulous when it comes to documenting the weight of the controlled substance. Controlled substances are usually tested to determine how much was involved. If a person is involved with a significant amount of drugs, they can automatically be charged with trafficking.
Packaging materials and drug paraphernalia
The police will also look for items that are commonly used by drug dealers. If the police find baggies or scales, it could mean that the drugs were being used for distribution.
For example, if the police find a large quantity of drugs, the prosecutor could argue that the drugs were being used for distribution, not for personal consumption. It is important to note that the police do not need packaging materials to have a strong case against a defendant.
Large amounts of cash
Another factor that is common in trafficking cases is the recovery of large amounts of cash. Law enforcement officers often assume that a large amount of money is evidence of drug sales, especially if it is bundled or stored in a manner that is consistent with evidence of a crime.
The money can also be seized by law enforcement officers using civil asset forfeiture, especially if they believe that the money is related to criminal activity. The money can then be used as evidence of drug trafficking.
Text messages and digital evidence
In many recent drug-related investigations, evidence from cell phones and other forms of digital evidence have been part of the case. Police can apply for search warrants that allow them access to the defendant’s text messages, call records, or social media communications. If the defendant has sent messages regarding the price or quantity of the drugs or the location of meetings, the prosecution can use this as evidence that the defendant was involved in the distribution of drugs.
In some cases, the investigators can also look at the defendant’s photos or contact list that can contain evidence of communications regarding the purchase or sale of drugs.
Talk to a Cobb County, GA, Drug Trafficking Lawyer Today
Andrew L. Schwartz, P.C., represents the interests of those accused of drug-related crimes. Call our Cobb County drug crimes lawyers today to schedule an appointment, and we can begin preparing your defense right away.
