Federal Drug Trafficking: Case Dismissed Before Trial

Client was indicted in federal court for importation of methamphetamine under 21 U.S.C. §§ 952 and 960 and conspiracy under 21 U.S.C. § 846. The government alleged more than 23 kilograms of methamphetamine hidden in a spare tire compartment, triggering a 10‑year mandatory minimum and a guideline range exceeding 12 years. After a thorough investigation and the development of a blind mule defense, the government dismissed the case in full before trial.

The arrest occurred at the port of entry after CBP officers discovered 51 vacuum‑sealed packages of methamphetamine concealed inside the spare tire of our client’s vehicle. The federal indictment exposed him to a decade in prison under the mandatory minimum and well over 12 years under the advisory sentencing guidelines.

We built the defense around a blind mule theory, arguing that our client was unknowingly used to transport narcotics across the border. Blind mule defenses are legally recognized but rarely successful in federal court because juries are often skeptical. To make the defense credible, we conducted a meticulous investigation in both the United States and Mexico:

Retraced our client’s routine and documented his habit of parking the car on the street and driving to the U.S. for work.

Discovered prior GPS tracking on the vehicle, showing that his travel patterns were being monitored by traffickers.

Used a top vehicle‑concealment expert to examine the spare tire and confirm that the hidden compartment was not visible or accessible to an ordinary driver.

Developed a complete client profile demonstrating his consistent work history and lack of knowledge or intent.

After reviewing the expert findings and the strength of the anticipated defense, the United States Attorney’s Office dismissed the case in its entirety before trial.

A complete dismissal in a federal drug trafficking case carrying a 10‑year mandatory minimum and a guideline range exceeding 12 years is extraordinarily rare. This result was achieved through disciplined investigation, expert analysis, and a fully developed defense strategy.