The law restricts people from having certain dangerous items or substances, including controlled substances, firearms, and ammunition. For those seeking to obtain or transport these items, it might be tempting to conceal them, like when passing through airport security. Hiding drugs inside ammunition is an extremely bad idea for several reasons.
First, drugs and ammunition are heavily restricted and may only be obtained under certain circumstances. In some cases, certain kinds of drugs or ammo are completely banned and cannot be lawfully possessed let alone transported. If someone were to try to conceal drugs inside ammunition, they are highly likely to get caught because both items are likely to raise suspicion. Once apprehended, you may face serious criminal charges. If you tried to get the drugs and ammunition through an airport, you might be charged at the federal level. If you are criminally charged, call an attorney for help right away.
For a free, private case evaluation from our Atlantic City, NJ drug charge defense attorneys, call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.
Man Arrested for Hiding Drugs Inside Ammunition at the Philadelphia Airport
According to a recent news article, on October 1, 2024, a man from Columbia County, Pennsylvania was apprehended in the Philadelphia airport with what is described as a shotgun shell full of white powder. The U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA) stopped the man at a checkpoint scanner, and the ammunition was found concealed under his clothes in his groin area.
The authorities responded quickly because it was not immediately known what the white substance was inside the shotgun shell or whether it was explosive. Later, the substance was confirmed to be methamphetamine and not explosive. The man likely set off the scanner due to the metal contained in the shotgun shell.
The man is likely facing serious consequences. Not only are shotgun shells and other explosives absolutely prohibited in airports and on planes, but transporting controlled substances like meth is also a serious offense. In such a case, our New Jersey criminal defense attorneys may review the details of the case and plan effective defense strategies, but you should call a lawyer as soon as possible.
Why Hiding Drugs Inside Ammunition is a Bad Idea
Trying to conceal controlled substances is never a good idea. Even if you are lawfully permitted to have the controlled substances (e.g., prescription drugs), they should always be stored in their original containers with information about your doctor and the prescription clearly depicted on the container. In short, if you are prescribed medication in an orange pill bottle, it should always stay in the orange pill bottle. If you hide controlled substances in something like ammunition or bullet shells or casings, you are only asking for trouble.
The odds of getting caught are high. Take the news story mentioned above. The suspect in that case likely chose shotgun shells because they are made primarily of plastic, and plastic objects may slip through metal detectors. However, shotgun shells usually have a brass or steel base, which is enough to set off highly sensitive metal detectors.
Both controlled substances and ammunition are considered contraband. Security personnel at places like airports are on high alert for these things, and hiding them together is a great way to get caught. Security personnel will snap into action very quickly if and when the ammunition is found. Remember, security at airports is on high alert for weapons and explosives, so hiding anything inside something like ammunition is a very bad idea.
Possible Legal Penalties for Hiding Drugs in Ammunition
The legal consequences of hiding drugs inside ammunition may be a lot more serious than you realize. When people are hiding controlled substances on their person or in their belongings, the authorities often suspect them of trying to transport the drugs for distribution. Trying to sneak controlled substances through airport security hidden inside ammunition may lead to criminal charges not only for the drugs but also for having ammunition. When airports are involved, charges may be at the federal level.
According to 49 U.S.C. § 46314(b), a person who knowingly and willfully enters an airport in violation of lawfully prescribed security requirements (e.g., with dangerous substances or contraband) may be sentenced to up to a year in prison if convicted. If the defendant is found to have intended to commit a felony once they are past security, they may be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison.
You might also face steep federal charges related to drug trafficking. Charges for trafficking under 21 U.S.C. § 841(b) carry various penalties based on the type of controlled substance involved and the amount of the substance that was found. Controlled substances are classified according to Schedules ranging from Schedule I, the most severe, to V, the least severe. Under the law, trying to transport certain controlled substances through an airport might lead to years behind bars.
What to Do if You Are Criminally Charged for Offenses Involving Drugs or Ammunition
Suppose you are stopped by the authorities and accused of concealing controlled substances inside something like ammunition. In that case, it is best to cooperate with the authorities, avoid resisting when you are taken into custody, and remain silent. Your situation might feel dire, and it can be very tempting to try and explain everything to the police in the hopes they will believe you. This is a bad idea. When the police say anything you say can and will be used against you, they mean it.
Remain silent when questioned by the authorities. You will likely be taken into custody and questioned very quickly. In the news article above, the authorities needed to figure out immediately if the substance inside the shotgun shell was explosive or not. If you are arrested, you may be quickly questioned. Invoke your right to silence and refuse to answer questions.
You should also invoke your right to have a lawyer with you during questioning. Call a lawyer as soon as possible and have them come to you while the police question you. Your attorney can help you answer any questions you want to answer in a way that avoids unnecessarily incriminating you.
Contact Our Drug Charge Defense Lawyers to Talk About Your Situation
For a free, private case evaluation from our Ocean City, NJ drug charge defense attorneys, call The Law Office of Andrew Shubin at (814) 826-3586.
