In the last two weeks, numerous law enforcement agencies throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area have targeted hundreds and made dozens of arrests for heroin related charges. Recently, this blog discussed a rapidly escalating issue with heroin in the St. Louis area. Also, the Riverfront Times just published an article discussing the hard line stance Madison County, Illinois prosecutors are taking on heroin-related charges.
The recent sweep of arrests is the result of federal, state, and local agencies in Jefferson, St. Louis, Madison, Lincoln, and St. Clair county issuing 104 warrants targeted at heroin trafficking. When executing such a large scale arrest operation such as this, it is likely that anonymous sources are used, intelligence is skewed, and overcharging occurs. Therefore, many of the alleged criminals are being charged with crimes they never committed or are being charged for a crime much more serious than the one they committed. With authorities targeting small dealers, high-end dealers, and strictly users, all forms of drug crimes are being charged.
At Henderson & Waterkotte, P.C. our Missouri criminal defense lawyers work tirelessly to assure that our clients’ rights are protected and that proper procedures were used in obtaining warrants and evidence. If you have been charged with possession of heroin or other drug related crimes in the greater St. Louis area, including Missouri and Illinois, call us anytime at 314-645-4400. Our firm handles cases in Jefferson, St. Louis, Madison, St. Clair, Lincoln, and Franklin County. We offer free consultations and are available 24/7.