Previously, we have discussed how the Internet has impacted and affected criminal activity in New Jersey. During these discussions, we generally focus on the website Facebook and the ways in which behavior on it could lead to charges. Recently, the website Craigslist was used to solicit drug sales and those responsible allegedly had ties to New Jersey.
An intern, who formerly worked for a New Jersey Senator, was amongst the 21 individuals who were arrested for an alleged drug sale ring that solicited the drugs on Craigslist. The alleged drug distribution ring sold prescription pills, such as Adderall, and cocaine. The drug scheme was allegedly conducted on Craigslist under the guise of promoting pain relief with a promise to be able to study for extended timeframes without anxiety.
The drug scheme was discovered pursuant to a police operation called Operation Dot Com. Local police claim that prescription drug use has become an epidemic and its abuse can have devastating effects on an individual’s life. Police also referenced the related violent crime that is associated with illegal prescription drug use, which can include armed robberies of drug stores for specific prescription pills.
Drug arrest can have severe criminal penalties and the penalties can significantly increase if an individual is arrested for the sale of drugs. When an individual is arrested for a drug related offense, it is often in the individual’s best interest to contact an experienced attorney during the initial stages of the arrest.
Source: New York Daily News, “Ex-intern for N.J. Sen. Robert Menendez snagged in Craigslist pills and drug bust,” Janon Fisher and Kerry Burke, Oct. 12, 2012