Many residents of Georgia believe that the nation’s overall relaxed views on marijuana means the risk of getting arrested for any drug crime has been reduced. If you want to continue enjoying your liberty and your way of life, it is important for you to understand that this is not the case. Georgia has always taken a strong stance against drug crimes and it still does. This means that if you choose to indulge, you need to practice caution.
A recent drug bust serves as an excellent example of the trouble you could experience. After a two-month-long undercover operation, police officers arrested 22 individuals allegedly connected with drug and gang activity. Codenamed “Operation Water Hazard,” the simultaneous arrests took place at a duplex in Lawrenceville, Georgia.
News reports say that the Gwinnet County SWAT team collaborated with several other organizations to make the arrests. These organizations include the Georgia Army National Guard Counterdrug Task Force, the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Gwinnett County Sheriff’s Department.
Some of the substances seized in the bust include marijuana, cocaine and various prescription medications. Police officials also seized several firearms during the operation. Several people are still in custody and have been charged with drug crimes and other offenses.
No one in Georgia would disagree with the police when they are taking possibly dangerous people off the streets. However, when or if the lines between true drug crimes and the rights of Georgia citizens become blurred, defendants will benefit from immediate legal counsel. Choosing a criminal defense attorney with litigation experience is essential in avoiding the most serious consequences of a drug crime arrest.
