A tobacco and smoking paraphernalia shop owner was arrested on charges relating to the sale of synthetic marijuana. The Texas entrepreneur is being accused of selling and earning millions of dollars from allegedly illegal drug sales. The federal drug charges being brought against him are serious, and if he is convicted, he could be sentenced to a significant period of time in prison.
The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), claims the man’s smoking store was open seven days a week, year-round, and had a steady customer base. This smoke shop, however, is the not the first to be accused of selling synthetic cannabis sativa products in North Texas. Federal agents have been conducting a crackdown on the alleged distribution of synthetic marijuana products in the North Texas area for some time.
According to the DEA, the agency discovered that the man’s smoke shop was allegedly selling synthetic marijuana after it raided a company making synthetic marijuana chemicals. The company’s financial records reportedly showed that the man who was recently arrested was a customer. Federal agents are focusing on the sale of synthetic marijuana because of a new law by President Obama banning the sale of such products.
Federal drug charges, depending on their severity, can result in severe penalties, including fines and jail time. For this reason, any Texas resident accused of violating federal drug laws will likely find it necessary to evaluate the potential consequences of being convicted and to plan a meaningful legal defense. In some cases, charges can be reduced or dismissed before a trial. In other situations, it a plea agreement in exchange for a reduction in sentencing may help in limiting sentencing exposure should a conviction ultimately be obtained.
Source: crimeblog.dallasnews.com, Dallas smoke shop owner arrested for selling synthetic marijuana, Kevin Krause, Oct. 29, 2013
