Importing controlled substances into Maryland is a serious drug trafficking offense—one that can quickly escalate into a federal felony case. If you’ve been accused of moving narcotics across state lines or into the country, you may be facing lengthy prison time, massive fines, and permanent damage to your record.
At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we represent clients charged with drug importation in Annapolis, Anne Arundel County, and throughout Maryland. Led by former prosecutor Christian Hartman, our firm brings experience, precision, and strategic defense to high-stakes cases involving federal investigations, search warrants, and serious allegations of drug conspiracy.
Because the penalties for importing controlled substances are severe, working with an experienced drug crimes attorney is essential. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.
What Does It Mean to Import Controlled Substances?
Drug importation refers to transporting illegal or controlled substances into Maryland from another state or another country. These cases don’t just involve large international shipments—any attempt to move drugs across borders or receive out-of-state deliveries can trigger serious charges.
You don’t need to be caught carrying drugs across a border to be charged. Importation cases can stem from:
- Transporting drugs by car, bus, or commercial truck
- Arranging for drugs to be mailed or shipped via USPS, UPS, or FedEx
- Accepting packages you may or may not have known that they contained drugs
- Serving as a courier or middleman in a larger operation
The types of drugs involved often include:
- Cocaine
- Heroin and fentanyl
- Methamphetamine
- MDMA (Ecstasy)
- Diverted prescription drugs (such as opioids or stimulants)
Importation cases often overlap with charges for trafficking, conspiracy, or possession with intent to distribute, raising the stakes significantly.
Maryland and Federal Penalties for Drug Importation
Depending on the quantity and how the case is charged, drug importation may be prosecuted under Maryland law or federal drug statutes, particularly 21 U.S.C. § 952 and § 960. The penalties are severe in either system.
You may be facing:
- Felony charges with a permanent criminal record
- Mandatory minimum prison terms (5, 10, or more years, depending on the drug and amount)
- Fines of up to $1 million
- Federal drug conspiracy charges (especially if multiple people were involved)
- Immigration consequences, including removal, if you are not a U.S. citizen
Federal prosecutors often seek higher sentences for cases involving international mail, border crossings, or suspected cartel links. If you have prior convictions, the penalties increase even further.
How Importation Cases Are Investigated
Drug importation charges rarely come out of nowhere. These cases are usually the result of extensive investigations by multiple agencies, including:
- DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
- U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
- Maryland state and local narcotics task forces
Investigators may rely on:
- Surveillance and tracking of packages
- Wiretaps or confidential informants
- Traffic stops and vehicle searches
- Warrants to search homes, phones, or digital records
- Controlled deliveries involving undercover agents
Importation cases often include additional charges such as conspiracy, possession, or distribution, even when the defendant never physically handled the drugs.
How Hartman Attorneys at Law Builds Your Defense
These are complex cases, and the stakes are high. At Hartman Attorneys at Law, we start by thoroughly reviewing how the case was built, looking for errors, overreach, and weak links in the government’s argument.
Our defense strategies may include:
- Challenging the legality of traffic stops, package intercepts, or search warrants
- Exposing flaws in surveillance methods or informant credibility
- Arguing lack of knowledge or control over the imported substance
- Contesting whether you actually received or intended to distribute the drugs
- Suppressing evidence obtained in violation of your constitutional rights
- Identifying gaps in the chain of custody or problems with forensic testing
Attorney Christian Hartman’s experience as a former prosecutor gives our clients a unique advantage. We know how drug cases are investigated and charged, and we know where law enforcement often overreaches. Whether your case is in Maryland court or federal court, we’re prepared to build a strong defense.
Strategic Local and Federal Representation
Our firm is based in Annapolis, representing clients throughout Anne Arundel County and beyond. Importation cases often start with a state arrest and then move to federal court, especially when interstate or international evidence is involved. We are ready to defend you in either venue.
We understand how prosecutors think, how judges rule, and how to fight back when your rights and future are on the line.
Annapolis Drug Importation Defense Attorneys
If you’ve been charged with importing controlled dangerous substances into Maryland or believe you’re under investigation, contact Hartman Attorneys at Law immediately. Early action gives us more room to defend your rights and protect your future.
Call now to schedule a confidential consultation. We’re ready to stand between you and the government.