International Drug Trafficking Defense 

International drug trafficking charges sound serious… and they are.  These represent some of the most serious categories of criminal offenses prosecuted in Texas. When an investigation involves allegations of transporting controlled substances across national borders or participating in international drug distribution networks, the stakes increase dramatically. Federal agencies, state law enforcement, and international authorities may all be involved, and the potential penalties reach the highest levels available under the law. 

Anyone facing international drug trafficking charges in Montgomery County will face sophisticated investigators and aggressive prosecutors who are committed to obtaining convictions. Your freedom, your financial stability, and your future opportunities are all at risk. 

For more than 25 years, Andrea M. Kolski has defended clients in high stakes criminal cases, including drug trafficking prosecutions involving interstate and international trafficking. Her experience spans complex investigations, federal and state prosecutions, and courtroom battles that require strategic, informed, and relentless advocacy. Clients facing international drug trafficking charges need an attorney who goes beyond understanding the law and the investigative process but also battle the forces at play in these high profile matters. Andrea and her team at Nonstopjustice have decades of focused criminal law experience that can turn the tables and win against impossible odds. 

What Are International Drug Trafficking Charges 

The term “International drug trafficking” may bring images of massive cartel operations, famous criminals like Pablo Escobar, or a vast underground distribution network.  While international drug trafficking certainly includes those big operations, it also covers individuals or small groups of maybe a handful of people.  International drug trafficking occurs when a person knowingly imports, transports, distributes, or intends to distribute controlled substances across national borders. 

With it’s immense shared border with Mexico, Texas is the front line for drug transportation into the United States. As a result, law enforcement agencies in Montgomery County and throughout Texas pay close attention to any potential links to foreign drug networks or cartels. Even individuals who had no intent to participate in trafficking can find themselves caught in the dragnet of a larger investigation. 

While big busts make headlines, there are thousands of ongoing investigations involving smaller amounts that lead to brutal convictions.  International trafficking investigations can involve the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the FBI, local police, and foreign agencies. These cases can involve surveillance, confidential informants, cross border intelligence, and federal task forces. This level of sophistication makes it essential to work with an experienced attorney who can go toe to toe against these powerful government agencies. 

Texas Law and Drug Trafficking Cases 

Although international drug trafficking is primarily prosecuted under federal law, several Texas statutes come into play when drugs are transported within or through the state. The Texas Controlled Substances Act, found in Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 481, outlines the core drug offenses in Texas. 

Under Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.112, manufacturing or delivering controlled substances listed in Penalty Group 1 is a felony offense. Penalty Group 1 includes substances such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, and many synthetic drugs. The severity of the penalty increases with the quantity of drugs involved. Similar statutes apply to Penalty Groups 1A, 2, 3, and 4. 

Key Texas provisions include: 

• Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.112: Delivery or manufacture of Penalty Group 1 controlled substances 
• Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.113: Delivery of Penalty Group 2 substances 
• Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.114: Delivery of Penalty Group 3 or 4 substances 
• Texas Health and Safety Code § 481.115 through § 481.118: Unlawful possession of controlled substances across the penalty groups 

Federal Statutes That Typically Control International Cases 

Most international drug trafficking charges are prosecuted under federal law. The primary federal statute governing drug trafficking is 21 United States Code § 841, which prohibits manufacturing, distributing, or possession with intent to distribute controlled substances. When international borders are involved, 21 United States Code § 959 and § 960 come into play.  

Federal agencies have broad investigative authority, and federal sentencing guidelines impose severe penalties for large quantities, cross border activity, or connections to organized criminal entities. Even individuals with limited involvement can face substantial exposure if prosecutors argue that the circumstances support knowledge or participation in trafficking. 

International Drug Trafficking Investigations  

International drug cases often arise from multi agency operations, long term surveillance, or intelligence shared with U.S. authorities by foreign governments. Some common triggers include: 

• Intercepted communications 
• Confidential informants 
• Airport or border screenings 
• Seizures of packages or cargo 
• International cooperation through agencies such as Interpol 
• Surveillance of ports or shipping facilities 
• Searches of vehicles traveling from border regions 

Once law enforcement believes drugs have moved across national lines, the investigation can expand quickly.  

Harsh Penalties for International Drug Trafficking 

International drug trafficking carries some of the most brutal sentences in both state and federal court. Penalties depend on the substance, the quantity, and the alleged role in the operation. 

Under Texas law, delivery of large quantities of Penalty Group 1 substances can result in first degree felony charges punishable by five to ninety nine years or life in prison and fines up to $250,000. Penalties for Penalty Group 2 through 4 substances vary but also escalate with quantity. 

Federal penalties are even more severe. Under federal sentencing guidelines: 

• Trafficking large quantities of heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine, or fentanyl can trigger mandatory minimum sentences of ten to twenty years. 

• If death or serious bodily injury is linked to the substance, a mandatory minimum sentence of twenty years applies. 

• If the defendant has prior drug trafficking convictions, penalties increase sharply. 

In many cases, the government may also pursue charges for conspiracy, money laundering, and illegal importation. For individuals facing these allegations, the cumulative exposure can reach life imprisonment. 

Innocent Lives At Risk  

It’s not just the hardcore dealers and cartel members that get prosecuted.  Many people who unknowingly play minor roles, such as drivers, couriers, or individuals with incidental connections, can find themselves in the crosshairs of an international drug trafficking investigation. 

Innocent lives can be shattered if ties to criminals can be established.  While cartel members may have access to financial resources for a robust defense, individuals unassociated with these networks are often working class folks living paycheck to paycheck.  Prosecutors offer no sympathy for struggling defendants when it comes to drug trafficking cases.  They will apply the full force of the law to anyone they suspect is involved. 

Strategies in International Drug Trafficking Cases 

These cases require a defense strategy built around the specific allegations and the investigative methods used. Common defense approaches include: 

• Challenging the legality of searches and seizures 
• Examining whether the defendant knowingly possessed or transported drugs 
• Investigating the reliability of confidential informants 
• Identifying improper investigative techniques 
• Contesting alleged connections to international networks 
• Challenging forensic evidence and chain of custody 
• Using expert witnesses to counter government claims 

Because federal agencies often conduct sweeping investigations, flaws in procedure or assumptions about involvement can expose cracks in a case. A skilled drug defense attorney can expose weaknesses that can often lead to reduced charges, dismissals, or favorable plea negotiations. 

Building a Defense From Experience 

Successfully defending international drug trafficking cases represents a serious challenge that few defense attorneys can handle. They are complex, high stakes, and aggressively prosecuted. The earlier an attorney becomes involved, the better the opportunity to challenge evidence, negotiate with prosecutors, and protect your rights. 

Anyone charged with international drug trafficking will face the overwhelming power and reach of multiple government agencies.  Prosecutors handling international cases will pounce on any defense counsel that appears intimidated and unprepared. However, a confident, experienced, and reputable defense attorney can make prosecutors nervous and open to reduced charges, favorable plea deals, or if possible, full dismissals.   

25 Years of Drug Defense Success  

Montgomery County drug defense attorney Andrea Kolski brings an unmatched combination of experience, skill, and tenacity to international drug trafficking defense. With over a quarter century of criminal law practice, Andrea and her team at Nonstopjustice have successfully represented clients in some of the most challenging and complex drug cases before the court. 

As a former Harris County prosecutor, Andrea has unique insight into how drug trafficking investigations are built, how prosecutors think, and expose potential weaknesses in the government’s evidence. This perspective is invaluable when defending clients against large scale investigations. 

Protect Your Rights, Your Freedom, and Your Future 

Facing international drug trafficking charges can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face them alone. Hiring an experienced attorney is the most important step you can take to protect your future. 

Andrea Kolski and her team at NonstopJustice are staunch believers in the Constitution and the rights afforded all defendants. They understand what is at stake and work tirelessly to achieve the best possible outcome in every case. 

If you or a loved one is under investigation or has been charged with international drug trafficking in Montgomery County or elsewhere in Texas, contact our office today.