Being accused of drug distribution is a very serious charge. Interestingly, an individual does not even have to be a resident of Texas or even the United States to be accused of drug distribution. Sometimes, people living in other countries who have never set foot on American soil are indicted for federal drug charges.
Recently, 17 foreigners located in another nation were accused of federal drug crimes when investigators traced cocaine found in Texas to that country. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, individuals can be prosecuted for drug charges in a United States court, even if they have never visited America. Charges against the foreign nationals relate to the intention to illegally import and distribute cocaine.
All 17 of the accused are Colombians and some of them, it appears, have never even been to the United States. Nevertheless, Colombian National Police are co-operating with United States officials to capture the accused. After the federal indictment, Colombian officials issued warrants to arrest them. Ten have been arrested so far. If they are found guilty of the crimes, they could be imprisoned for life.
There are a number of highly effective legal strategies that Texas residents can employ to get their charges dropped and/or sentences reduced. Similarly, Colombians facing drug charges in the United States can defend themselves against such accusations. It is important to remember that in the eyes of the law, no matter where a person is located and no matter what crimes they have been accused of, they will be seen as innocent until and only if they are found guilty by a court of law.
Source: DallasNews, 17 Colombians indicted on federal drug charges after cocaine in Texas traced to South American country, Valerie Wigglesworth, Aug. 26, 2013
