Earlier this year, federal agents conducted an undercover sting operation resulting in the arrests of three men and the seizure of $100,000 in U.S. currency, as well as an additional $200,000 worth of the cryptocurrency, Bitcoin. According to a recent news report, covering the operation and subsequent arrests, the three men who were arrested are believed to be a part of a larger Boston drug syndicate.
Evidently, an undercover federal narcotics agent ordered MDMA from the darknet site “EastSideHigh.” The agent arranged to have the seller of the drugs leave them in a U.S. Post Office collection box in Stoughton. When the seller arrived on scene and transferred Bitcoin to the agents, they arrested him on Boston drug distribution charges.
After the first man’s arrest, officers obtained a search warrant for office space in Stoughton. When officers arrived to execute the warrant, they allegedly discovered the two other men in the office space, one of which was wearing a ventilator mask. Police told reporters they believe that the men would receive large shipments of drugs to the office, where they would process and manufacturer street drugs including MDMA, Ketamine, and Xanax.
As a result of the operation, police officers recovered numerous packages of MDMA and Ketamine, shipping and packaging materials, and a pill press. A computer in the office was logged into the vendor site for EastSideHigh. In total, authorities also seized 20 kilograms of MDMA, more than seven kilograms of Ketamine, over 10,000 Xanax pills, and more than $100,000 in cash. All three of the men were arraigned and face Boston federal drug distribution charges.
Challenging the Seizure of Evidence
Police officers characterize their efforts to investigate the sale of illegal drugs as within the bounds of the Constitution; however, that is not always the case. It is not uncommon for police officers to act on a hunch when investigating a serious crime. Indeed, officers gain notoriety and status when they make a significant arrest or seize a large amount of drugs or weapons. However, under the U.S. and Massachusetts constitutions, police officers are not allowed to act on a mere hunch, and must rely on objective facts when obtaining a warrant. Warrants obtained on false or less-than-complete information are invalid as are the searches they purport to allow. Anyone who has been arrested following the execution of a search warrant may be able to suppress the evidence that the Commonwealth intends to use against them through a motion to suppress.
Confer with a Knowledgeable Boston Drug Crime Defense Attorney
If you have recently been arrested and charged with a serious Boston drug crime, Attorney Patrick J. Murphy can help. Attorney Murphy is a well-respected and experienced criminal defense attorney who is dedicated to defending his clients who have been charged with all types of serious crimes, including Massachusetts drug crimes. From the investigation stage, all the way through post-trial motions and appeals, Attorney Murphy zealously defends each of his clients, helping them defend against the charges they face. To learn more, call 617-367-0450 to schedule a free consultation today.