Man Arrested For Drug Trafficking For Alleged Attempting Smuggling At Orlando Airport

According to a report from Orlando Weekly, a passenger at the Orlando International Airport—Michael Jayson Scarlett, a 43-year-old man from California—was arrested for allegedly attempting to smuggle 38 pounds of methamphetamines (meth) and another 4 pounds of marijuana. He is facing a felony criminal charge. In this article, our Orlando drug crimes defense attorney discusses the allegations and explains the charges in this case.

Man Arrested for Attempted Drug Smuggling at the Orlando International Airport 

According to a criminal complaint, Michael Jayson Scarlett was detained and eventually arrested after drug-sniffing dogs alerted agents to his bags while he exited a flight from Los Angeles that had landed at the Orlando International Airport. Within his luggage, officers discovered 38 pounds of meth and 4 pounds of marijuana. Mr. Scarlett admitted that he made a mistake.

He stated that he was carrying the bag for a man named “Chewy” who had paid him $500 in cash. The man is now facing a federal drug charge for possession with intent to distribute a controlled substance. As the defendant allegedly took the meth and marijuana across state lines on a cross country flight, the matter in question is a federal issue. He is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. The burden of proof rests on the shoulders of the federal prosecutors.

Federal Drug Charge: Possession and Intent to Distribute a Controlled Substance 

Federal drug charges for possession and intent to distribute a controlled substance are serious offenses that carry significant consequences. Defendants facing such charges must understand the nature of these charges and the potential penalties they face. It is fundamentally a drug trafficking offense. Federal authorities take these cases very seriously, especially when a large amount of a highly controlled substance like meth is involved. Meth is a Schedule II stimulant under the federal Controlled Substances Act.

The penalties for federal possession and intent to distribute a controlled substance can be severe and vary depending on several factors, such as the type and quantity of the controlled substance, the defendant’s criminal history, and the jurisdiction where the case is prosecuted. That being said, this is a felony criminal charge. It could carry the potential for more than ten years in federal prison. It is imperative that any person facing a felony possession and intent to distribute charge consults with an experienced Florida drug trafficking defense attorney as soon as possible. 

Speak to Our Orlando, FL Drug Crimes Defense Lawyer for Immediate Legal Help

At The Baez Law Firm, our Florida drug trafficking defense lawyer is a sophisticated, solutions forward advocate for clients. Prosecutors are notoriously aggressive in these cases. You need strong legal representation. We have the legal expertise and proven experience to handle the most serious of drug trafficking charges. Call us now or connect with us online for a confidential case review. We handle drug cases throughout Florida from our law offices in Orlando and Miami.

Source:

orlandoweekly.com/news/orlando-airport-passenger-arrested-after-landing-with-38-pounds-of-meth-4-pounds-of-pot-in-suitcase-33707930