Massachusetts Legal Developments Blog

Helpful Advice on Responding to Drug Charges

A believed fentanyl and crack cocaine trafficker is being held without bail after law enforcement stated that they discovered over 50 bags containing drugs in the man’s backpack. The man was arrested and charged in municipal court with carrying a firearm without a license, trafficking the involved drugs, illegal possession of ammunition, and other charges connected to drugs and firearms. 

The trafficker was arrested after he engaged in a drug sale with an undercover law enforcement officer. A search of the man’s backpack revealed a .22 Taurus pistol that held nine rounds in addition to fentanyl, crack cocaine, Gabapentin, cannabis, and $8,994. While crack cocaine and fentanyl are commonly abused drugs, Gabapentin is less commonly abused. Gabapentin is not a federally controlled medication. Instead, Gabapentin is a non-opioid medication used to treat people who have epilepsy as well as other nerve disorders or pain.

The county’s district attorney stated that the man must be prosecuted because he is a risk to public safety. The trafficker was just one of 31 individuals who was arrested on charges of drug trafficking in the drug market that surrounds the intersection of Massachusetts Avenue and Melnea Cass Boulevard since the start of June 2022. Almost 50 summonses for drug charges in the same area have also been made.  

The case’s judge found the trafficker dangerous, which means that the man can be held for a maximum of 120 days. After this period, bail is fixed at $25,000, and the man would be required to wear a GPS tracker and stay away from the intersection where the arrest occurred. 

The Prevalence of Drug Charges in Massachusetts

The country is currently facing a crackdown on the over-prescription of opioids. The medication has been classified as an “opportunistic” drug of abuse. The pills are referred to as either “gabbies” or “johnnies” and are utilized to enhance the impact of opioid drugs. The impact of these drugs, however, can make it difficult to breathe and lower opioid tolerance levels. The use of these drugs has resulted in several states listing the medication as a controlled substance, while another 12 states, including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, have listed the drug in programs involving prescription drug monitoring. 

What to Do if Stopped by Law Enforcement With Drugs on You

If you are stopped by law enforcement with drugs on you, there are several important pieces of advice that you must remember to follow. This advice includes:

  • Avoid running or attempting to escape law enforcement. This often only leads to additional charges.
  • Make sure your hands stay out of your pockets. Putting your hands in your pockets is likely viewed by law enforcement as suspicious behavior, which will likely elevate the chances that law enforcement searches your pockets. 
  • Be as polite as possible to the law enforcement officer. Also, do your best to follow the orders given by law enforcement. 
  • Never give law enforcement permission to search your vehicle or your house.
  • Never admit to anything. Instead, exercise your Fifth Amendment right to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement.

Speak With an Experienced Drug Crime Defense Lawyer

Drug charges in Massachusetts can be brought in various ways. If you or a loved one is charged with a drug offense in Massachusetts, you should not hesitate to speak with an experienced criminal defense lawyer who will fight to make sure your rights are protected. Contact Attorney Edward R. Molari today for assistance.