Boston authorities announced the allegedly successful execution of a series of raids, which they referred to as “Operation H.”
The crackdown targeted various individuals suspected of drug trafficking, gang activity, and violent crime.
A spokesperson for the local district attorney’s office said that 75 people are potentially facing charges, which includes the 33 arrested Tuesday.
The Police Commissioner said in a statement, that this operation evidences the departments commitment to get drugs and violent criminals off of the street. He further stated that detectives have been videotaping the suspects selling illegal drugs in various location, by means of an undercover operation.
Thus far, at least 40 defendants have been arraigned pursuant to these raids, with bail set between $500 and $7,500.
Police stated that as of Tuesday night, they were still looking for 10 suspects.
Drug offenses continue to represent a large percentage of the criminal cases throughout the District, Municipal and Superior Courts of Massachusetts.
Drug crime charges typically involve unlawful possession, distribution or trafficking of substances such as cocaine, crack-cocaine, heroin, Ecstasy, marijuana, LSD. They can also include charges for the possession or sale of unauthorized prescription medications including substances such as Percocet, Oxycontin and Vicodin.
In every drug case, there are several essential elements relating to the particular charge, each of which the prosecution must prove beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Commonwealth must establish in every case that the defendant whom is being charged with a drug crime:
If the actual criminal charge involves manufacturing, distribution, possession with intent to distribute, trafficking or a more serious drug charge, the basic elements will include those further necessary to prove the underlying charge.
Drug convictions in any Massachusetts court can carry serious penalties, ranging from fines to lengthy minimum mandatory prison sentences. If you or a loved one is charged with a Massachusetts drug offense, you should take the charges seriously. Know also that the type of drug and quantity possessed will be carefully scrutinized by the prosecutor.
Additionally, when facing drug charges, or any other criminal charges, you should realize the absolute importance of having an experienced drug crimes defense attorney. We can only imagine the chaos that might ensue from an evidentiary standpoint when authorities are arresting 33 individuals in one day. Regardless of the volume, police officers and other governmental officials are required to observe all the relevant evidentiary and constitutional requirements when collecting evidence and bringing charges. Your defense attorney will ensure that proper protocol was followed, and if not will know how to best prevent improperly collected or tainted evidence from being used against you.
If you have been accused of or facing charges related to drug crimes, you will want to ensure that you have an aggressive, knowledgeable, and experienced Boston defense attorney on your side. Contact the Law Office of Patrick J. Murphy, Esq. today in order to schedule a free and confidential legal consultation. You can contact us by calling 617-367-0450 or through our website.
More Blog Posts:
4 Defendants Sentenced in 2011 Boston Armed Robbery/Shooting Case, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published May 16, 2013
How to Possibly Avoid Jail Time by Participating in Pretrial Diversion, Boston Criminal Defense Lawyer Blog, published May 8, 2013