Prosecutors in New York City allege that a local narcotics ring used boxes wrapped in Minnie Mouse wrapping paper to distribute cocaine. According to the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor, three individuals, including a MTA bus driver, smuggled hundreds of thousands of dollars worth of cocaine outside a nail salon in Mill Basin. Investigators arrested the suspects after investigating their behavior and performing raids.
All three suspects in the case have been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia. Two have also been charged with the criminal sale of a controlled substance. During the investigation, detectives claim they saw the suspects exchange wrapped bags of cocaine for bags of cash. During one raid of a suspect’s home, $74,000 in cash was found stuffed in a bag on the property.
In a statement to the press, New York City’s Special Narcotics Prosecutor said that the trademarks of the accused criminals were flashy cars, brazen conduct, and Minnie Mouse. In addition to cash and drugs, the government claims that scales and packaging materials were found during searches of one suspect’s property, providing evidence towards the distribution charge. If convicted, the suspects may face extensive prison time.
People who have been accused of drug crimes have the right to legal representation. Physical evidence is a crucial component of these types of cases. One potential challenge that a defense attorney can often make is that the evidence that is the basis of the charge was the seized as the result of an illegal search. If successful, the evidence could be excluded, and this could lead to a dismissal.
