Drug Trafficking in the United States
State and federal drug trafficking is a term referring to selling, importing, or transporting illicit drugs. You may also hear it called drug operations or distribution. While the issue of drug operations in the United States is a massive challenge that’s creating uncertainty, national security concerns, and unintended consequences throughout the western hemisphere, it affects people on an individual basis as well. Facts about drug trafficking and the movement of drugs in the United States include: Trafficking is a federal crime, meaning the laws dictating the criminal consequences are decided by Congress and apply to the whole country. This is a felony crime, so it requires severe penalties or prison time. There are many distinctions between trafficking and drug possession. A few other facts about trafficking: Around 70% of offenders are U.S. citizens, despite much of their supply coming from other countries. In 2016, nearly 85% of traffickers were males, with an average age of 36, ba...