One of the most serious drug crimes that a person can be accused of is drug trafficking. There is often some confusion about what drug trafficking really means. Trafficking is different from distribution or sales because it involves the possession, transportation and possibly importation of a large amount of a controlled substance or drug. A suspect found with a large amount of a drug could be charged with trafficking if a large amount of cash, packaging equipment such as scales and bags, or evidence of intent to transport the drug were also found in their possession. These all suggest that the suspect's intention for the drugs was far beyond personal use.

In many cases, a drug trafficking offense can be charged on the federal level. Often, the penalties for federal crimes are far more serious than those for state crimes. An example of the seriousness of drug trafficking charges in Washington occurred when a former undercover detective for the Kings County sheriff's office was arrested in Seattle. KOMO News reports that Mitchell Wright faces charges in federal court for drug trafficking. He is charged with two counts of distribution of methamphetamine and one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. He was arrested after a 3 month investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

If Wright is convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison. In Washington, trafficking is a Class C felony that is punishable by up to 5 years of jail time or $10,000 in fines. Since Wright is charged with several counts of drug charges on the federal level, his penalties are much steeper. Any type of VUCSA, however, can lead to serious sentencing, but drug trafficking charges are the most severe and often end up in federal court. If you are facing a drug charge of any kind in Seattle, contact a drug defense attorney right away.