Trafficking in Narcotics—Operation Sweet Tooth

DEA agents, along with partners in Canada and Vietnam, have broken up a huge Ecstasy and marijuana trafficking ring.^[1] 291 individuals were arrested in the execution of 98 search warrants in both the United States and Canada, and 931,300 ecstasy tablets, 1,777 pounds of marijuana, and US$7.75 million in assets were seized.^[2]

The investigation occurred over the course of 24 months, and it shut down two major drug transportation rings with ties to 61 separate domestic investigations.^[3] The investigation, known as “Operation Sweet Tooth,” comes on the heels of “Operation Candy Box” which dismantled another major international Ecstasy ring.^[4]

In this case, Ecstasy powder was smuggled into Canada where it was then turned into pills and smuggled into the United States.^[5] Millions of dollars were laundered through Vietnam’s underground banking system.^[6]

The ringleaders of the trafficking operation will be charged with conspiracy to traffic in narcotics and money laundering.

Conspiracy to Traffic in Narcotics
Under 21 U.S.C. § 846, anyone who conspires to traffic in narcotics will be punished as if he had actually trafficked in narcotics. There is no overt act requirement. Trafficking in narcotics is covered by 21 U.S.C. § 841(a), which states it is a crime for a person to knowingly possess or distribute a controlled substance. Ecstasy, or MDMA, is a schedule I drug,^[7] and the punishment for violating section 841 with a schedule I drug is a fine of up to US$1 million, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.^[8]

Money Laundering
Under 18 U.S.C. § 1956(a)(2)(A), it is a crime for a person to transfer monetary instruments or funds from the United States to a place outside the United States with the intent to promote the “carrying on” of a specified unlawful activity. The unlawful activity in this case is drug trafficking.^[9] The punishment for violating section 1956 is a fine, imprisonment for up to 20 years, or both.

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[1] DEA, Press Release: DEA Dismantles International Ecstasy Trafficking Groups, Nov. 17, 2005, available here.
[2] Id.
[3] Id.
[4] Id.
[5] Id.
[6] Id.
[7] DEA, Drug Scheduling, last visited Nov. 18, 2005, available here.
[8] 21 U.S.C. § 841(b)(1)(C).
[9] 18 U.S.C. § 1956(c)(7)(A) (incorporating an offense in 18 U.S.C. § 1961(1)).