Frederick, MD – According to the Maryland State Police, they found 40 pounds of marijuana in the back of a man's minivan after troopers pulled him over on Interstate 70. The police said that the van driven by the 52-year-old Michigan resident had a faulty taillight. The troopers report that the suspect appeared nervous when speaking with the officer after he was pulled over. Based on the man's questionable behavior, the officer called for a K-9 unit so that a police dog could scan the vehicle for drugs.
During the search the dog alerted police that there were drugs in the vehicle. The police said that upon inspection, the trooper discovered 39 bricks of marijuana hidden in a drum case in the rear of the minivan; the police also found cocaine inside the vehicle. The News-Post of Frederick reported that the 52-year-old suspect was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana and cocaine among other offenses.
Maryland Marijuana Penalties
The state of Maryland criminalizes offenses connected to the possession, distribution, and trafficking of marijuana. In Maryland, the penalty for possessing 10 grams or less of marijuana for personal use is $500 and 90 days in jail. The penalties for possessing 10 grams to 50 pounds are up to 1 year in jail and a $1,000 fine. However, possessing with intent to distribute less than 50 pounds of marijuana is a felony offense which involves up to 5 years in prison and a fine not exceeding $15,000.
When someone possesses marijuana with the intent to distribute in a school vehicle, or in, or within 1,000 feet of an elementary school or a secondary school, it is a felony offense punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a fine not to exceed $20,000. For subsequent convictions, the person faces from 5 to 40 years in prison for each violation and a fine not exceeding $40,000. For those offenders who were previously convicted of possession with the intent to distribute, they are subject to the mandatory minimum sentence of 2 years.
If you are facing drug charges for possession, possession with the intent to distribute, cultivation or drug trafficking, contact a Frederick drug crime attorney from The Law Office of John R. Discavage, P.A. for an aggressive defense against your drug charges!