A prisoner sitting behind bars in the state of California was discovered dealing drugs to the other side of the country in New Jersey, according to a recent news report. The prisoner, a member of MS-13, was sending all sorts of drugs to New Jersey hidden in boxes of Little Debbie Swiss Rolls. The drugs were discovered by federal agents and they included cocaine, methamphetamine, and heroin.
Background of the Bust
The gang member, a leader in MS-13, was arranging for drugs to be mailed across the country to New Jersey. All told, the drugs totaled $9,000. The drugs were going to be sent to another member of the MS-13 gang who lives in Middlesex County, New Jersey. The New Jersey gang member would then distribute the drugs. The drugs were going to be sent in the box of snacks, according to Immigration Customs and Enforcement said in a federal court document.
Who is the MS-13 Gang Leader?
The MS-13 gang leader attempting to send drugs via a Little Debbie box from behind bars was identified as 32-year-old Luis Calderon. Calderon is known as Lagrima. Lagrima was sentenced on Tuesday to 10 years in prison for conspiring to possess with the intent to distribute cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamine. He hails from El Salvador and is in the country illegally. Calderon could be deported once his prison term is complete.
Calderon was already incarcerated at a California state prison in Calipatria. Calderon had used a contraband mobile phone to set up the drug deal, according to federal officials. Federal authorities seized the box of Little Debbie snacks with the drugs before they made it to their intended destination in Edison, New Jersey. There were 95.5 grams of heroin, 54.7 grams of cocaine, and 52.4 grams of methamphetamine found in the box of snacks.
The Benefits of a Criminal Defense Attorney
Should you ever find yourself facing criminal charges of any kind, including drug charges, you need to consult with an experienced criminal defense attorney about your case. This is not the time to try defending yourself in court, especially when your rights and freedom are on the line. The benefits of hiring a criminal defense attorney include the following:
- The attorney keeps up with changes in the law, including your charges
- A criminal defense attorney can review your case and give you an honest review
- Conduct an independent investigation into your case
- Collect evidence that could help your case
- Speak with witnesses of the incident that led to your charges
- Speak with the police and other authorities
- Negotiate a possible deal to achieve lesser charges or have them dropped
- Represent you at depositions, hearings, and at trial
The minute you call an experienced criminal defense attorney you will begin protecting your rights. Drug charges are very difficult to challenge, but they are not impossible. You need to be honest with your attorney about the circumstances that led to your arrest and subsequent charges in order for them to build a strong defense for your case.
Contact an Experienced Moorestown Criminal Defense Lawyer About Your Drug Distribution Charges in New Jersey
Were you arrested or charged with drug distribution in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at The Law Office of Stephen R. Piper, LLC have successfully represented clients charged with drug distribution in Willingboro, Mount Holly, Cherry Hill, Camden, and throughout New Jersey. Call 856-333-3586 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team.
The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.