<![CDATA[cocaine - Law Offices of William W. Bruzzo]]> https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/tags/cocaine/ Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:45:39 GMT en-us <![CDATA[38th Street Gang Raided by Authorities]]> https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/38th-street-gang-raided-by-authorities/ https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/38th-street-gang-raided-by-authorities/ Thu, 03 Feb 2011 21:20:00 GMT Sometimes what happens in Los Angeles seems like the stuff only Hollywood could imagine. Members of one of the most notorious and oldest gangs in Los Angeles, the 38th Street gang, were arrested in a federal indictment alleging murder and drug trafficking. Early morning raids, involving 800 law enforcement officers, resulted in the documentation of…

]]> Sometimes what happens in Los Angeles seems like the stuff only Hollywood could imagine. Members of one of the most notorious and oldest gangs in Los Angeles, the 38th Street gang, were arrested in a federal indictment alleging murder and drug trafficking. Early morning raids, involving 800 law enforcement officers, resulted in the documentation of various plots, including a 14 year old girl being directed to shoot a rival gang member as part of her initiation, and a raid in which gang members dressed themselves as FBI agents, shooting themselves into a South Gate home. The pre-dawn raids, conducted by LAPD, agents from the DEA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives resulted in 37 arrests on federal charges, and 20 more on state weapons and narcotics charges.

Authorities seized about 7 kilograms of cocaine, a pound of methamphetamines, 23 firearms and a quarter million in cash. Allegedly the gang imports drugs from Mexico, and provided “street level” distribution in their gang territory.

If convicted, the defendants face punishment under California Health and Safety Code 11379 and 11372. See, also Penal Code Sections 273a(a), 211 and 186.22.

]]> <![CDATA[Police Arrest Drug Ring in Possession of $17 Million in Ecstasy Pills]]> https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/police-arrest-drug-ring-in-possession-of-17-million-in-ecstasy-pills/ https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/police-arrest-drug-ring-in-possession-of-17-million-in-ecstasy-pills/ Mon, 16 Aug 2010 02:44:00 GMT Authorities managed to arrest a group suspected of manufacturing and distributing Ecstasy pills. A federal grand jury indicted 15 men for either manufacturing or distributing or both. The organization was based out of the City of Industry and run by Jimmy Luong. Over the course of seven months officials found firearms, $500,000.00 in cash and…

]]> Authorities managed to arrest a group suspected of manufacturing and distributing Ecstasy pills. A federal grand jury indicted 15 men for either manufacturing or distributing or both. The organization was based out of the City of Industry and run by Jimmy Luong. Over the course of seven months officials found firearms, $500,000.00 in cash and 33 kilograms of cocaine along with the Ecstasy pills. The street value for the pills is $17 million. The suspects are from LA County or Orange County and were brought in by the DEA with assistance from the Beverly Hills Police department. Distribution or manufacturing of Ecstasy is a violation of Health and Safety Code Sections 11378 and 11379.

]]> <![CDATA[Recent Drug Trends in Orange County]]> https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/recent-drug-trends-in-orange-county/ https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/recent-drug-trends-in-orange-county/ Fri, 14 May 2010 04:01:00 GMT Recent shifts in drug choice have officials alarmed. In South Orange County, a place comprised of middle to upper class neighborhoods, prescription drug users are now turning to heroin because of its lower costs compared to Vicodin and Oxycotin. However, most users are resorting to smoking heroin instead of injecting it to avoid the stigma…

]]> Recent shifts in drug choice have officials alarmed. In South Orange County, a place comprised of middle to upper class neighborhoods, prescription drug users are now turning to heroin because of its lower costs compared to Vicodin and Oxycotin. However, most users are resorting to smoking heroin instead of injecting it to avoid the stigma of being a “junkie.” Cocaine users are also searching for cheaper alternatives and thus turning to methamphetamine.

Orange County and surrounding counties see a higher rate of drugs and lower prices compared to the rest of the country due to their proximity to Mexico. Drugs often pass through this area before being distributed across the country. According to a 2010 National Drug Threat Assessment, heroin production in Mexico which was headed for the U.S. increased from 17 tons in 2007 to 38 tons in 2008—an over two-fold increase. And despite violent wars between drug cartels in Mexico, the availability of most drugs continues to increase. See Health and Safety Code Sections 11377, 11378, 11350, 11351.

]]> <![CDATA[Possession of a Controlled Substance]]> https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/possession-of-a-controlled-substance/ https://www.bruzzolaw.com/blog/possession-of-a-controlled-substance/ Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:13:00 GMT Notably, while these charges usually concern “street drugs” like Cocaine and Methamphetamine they can also apply to substances commonly thought of as medications. If you are found in actual possession of the drug or “constructive” possession of the drug you may be found guilty of the offense. Constructive possession means that the drug may not…

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Controlled Substance

Notably, while these charges usually concern “street drugs” like Cocaine and Methamphetamine they can also apply to substances commonly thought of as medications.

If you are found in actual possession of the drug or “constructive” possession of the drug you may be found guilty of the offense. Constructive possession means that the drug may not be on your person but you knowingly exercise control over or the right to control the drug, either directly or through another person or persons. In order for the prosecution to prove its case they must show that the person knew the substance was a controlled substance and that there was enough of the drug to constitute a usable amount.

In California this offense is a felony and you may face up to three years in prison. Here is a recent case result:

“I was charged with Health and Safety Code Section 11377(a)(Possession of a controlled substance HS 11377(a)a felony which carries a maximum of 3 years in prison. I had previous convictions for the same charge and I had similar charges pending. I was also charged with driving on a suspended license (Vehicle Code Section 14601.1 – VC 14601.1) and possession of paraphernalia (Health and Safety Code Section 11364 – HS 11364(a)) as misdemeanors. I hired Mr. William Bruzzo because he was recommended by another attorney and because of his familiarity with the Orange County courts and the District Attorney. The original offer prior to hiring Mr. Bruzzo was 180 days in jail and pleading guilty to a felony. Mr. Bruzzo convinced the District Attorney there was not a useable amount of the controlled substance and that my driving on a suspended license was justifiable by Necessity, even though I had priors [convictions] for [that charge] too. Mr. Bruzzo got the possession charge DISMISSED [Health and Safety Code Section 11377(a) – HS 11377(a)]and the Vehicle Code Section 14601.1 [Driving on a suspended license – VC 14601.1] DISMISSED. I pleaded guilty to one count of possession of paraphernalia as a misdemeanor [Health and Safety Code Section 11364(a) – HS 11364] and I got CAL TRANS [instead of jail]. I would enthusiastically recommend Mr. Bruzzo for any possession of a controlled substance case or any criminal matter.” ~~ CK, December 9, 2009

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