In a significant law enforcement operation, a dealer of fentanyl operating on the darknet was convicted of a range of drug charges and child pornography offenses. The dealer used the alias “Fent4U” on the darknet, a section of the internet that is unindexed and can only be accessed using specialized software. This software provides a level of anonymity to users, which has led some to exploit it for illegal activities. However, this drug case and child pornography case demonstrates that despite the perceived safety of the darknet, it does not guarantee immunity from prosecution.
The individual was found guilty of various drug-related crimes as well as possession of child pornography. The charges were serious, and they included conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance analogue, conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance, possession of child pornography, and distribution of controlled substances.
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The Darknet: An Unlikely Haven For Drug Trafficking
The dealer sold numerous dangerous substances including fentanyl, carfentanil, pentedrone, and analogues of fentanyl and pentedrone. Fentanyl is a highly potent opioid, while carfentanil is often misused as an elephant tranquilizer. Both these substances are associated with high risk of overdose and death. The dealer used cryptocurrencies like bitcoin for transactions, highlighting the role of modern technology in facilitating illicit activities. He would then ship the drugs to the addresses provided by the buyers.
The trial included testimonies from multiple former customers, who confirmed receiving high potency drugs like fentanyl and its analogues very swiftly at their homes in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. Unfortunately, the risk associated with these substances was also evident, as a customer in his 20s tragically overdosed and died after purchasing fentanyl analogues from the dealer.
Undercover Operations And Investigation
The successful conviction followed a detailed investigation involving various law enforcement agencies. A Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent that was undercover revealed that a significant amount of the dealer’s illegal drug proceeds, amounting to tens of thousands of dollars, were directed to the Dallas area.
Interestingly, when asked about his occupation, the dealer suggested that law enforcement officers would have to “check his taxes”. However, upon investigation, the Internal Revenue Service reported that the dealer had not filed any taxes for the relevant periods.
Arrest And Conviction
The arrest took place in July 2016 and footage was shown to the jury during the trial. This footage clearly showed the dealer dropping a bag of drugs and attempting to hide it while being handcuffed. Despite this evidence, the dealer denied ownership of the bag. The conviction carries a maximum sentence of up to 80 years in federal prison.
The multi-agency investigation was conducted by Homeland Security Investigations’ Dallas and New York Field Offices, U.S. Postal Inspection Service, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the Irving Police Department, and the Sacramento District Attorney’s Office.
Understanding The Crime Of Conspiracy To Distribute Or Manufacture Controlled Substances
In the world of criminal law, conspiracy to distribute or manufacture controlled substances is a serious charge. It is linked to Sections 21 U.S.C. §§ 841(a) and 846. Let’s break down what this means for you.
What Makes A Guilty Verdict?
To be found guilty of conspiracy to distribute or manufacture a controlled substance, the prosecution needs to prove a couple of things beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Existence Of A Conspiracy
The government must show that there was an agreement between you and at least one other person to distribute or manufacture a particular controlled substance. This agreement would have taken place over a specific period of time.
Your Intentional Participation
The second thing they must prove is that you knowingly participated in the agreement and intended to help achieve its unlawful objective.
This may seem straightforward, but it’s important to remember that “distribute” in this context means delivering or transferring possession of the substance to another person. It doesn’t matter whether you stood to make money from this transaction.
The Nature Of Conspiracy
Conspiracy might seem like a complex term, but essentially, it refers to a kind of criminal partnership where two or more people agree to commit one or more crimes. The crime of conspiracy is about the agreement to do something illegal, not whether the agreed-upon crime was actually committed.
To be part of a conspiracy, it’s not necessary for everyone involved to have a formal agreement or to agree on every aspect of the plan. But simply meeting and discussing matters of common interest or acting similarly does not qualify as a conspiracy. There needs to be a concrete plan to commit at least one of the crimes mentioned in the indictment.
Involvement In Conspiracy
It’s possible to become a member of a conspiracy by willingly taking part in the unlawful plan, even if you don’t know all the details. If you intentionally join an existing conspiracy, you can be held as accountable as the people who started it.
However, if you unknowingly further a conspiracy or simply associate with known conspirators, you are not considered part of the conspiracy. Likewise, just being aware that a conspiracy exists doesn’t automatically make you a conspirator. It’s your knowledge and intentional participation in the conspiracy that makes you legally liable.
Federal Drug Conspiracy Lawyers
Don’t let federal charges of Conspiracy to Distribute or Manufacture Controlled Substances create chaos in your life. Contact the highly rated team at Cofer Luster Law Firm, PC today. Our top-rated drug lawyers, like Board Certified specialist Cody Cofer, bring calm, offer steadfast support, and vigorously defend your rights in court. We are committed, loyal, and among the few in Tarrant County with real trial experience. Whether it’s your first time needing a drug crime lawyer or you’ve sought our help before, our dedication remains unshakeable. Call us now at (682) 777-3336 or reach out online and let our criminal defense attorneys be your powerful ally in the face of legal adversity and drug crimes. To learn more about federal drug charges, click here.
