Drug trafficking involves the manufacture, sale or transport of illicit drugs. This type of crime is punishable by both state and federal laws. The penalties vary by drug type, quantity and jurisdiction. Drug trafficking can also be classified as an aggravated offense which may result in life imprisonment.

To be convicted, prosecutors must prove the defendant had knowledge of the drugs and their illegal origins. A defense argument could be that the defendant was not in possession of the drugs at all times, or did not know that the drugs were being trafficked. It could also be that the defendant was not involved in any drug sales, and was only facilitating transport or shipping.

Many illicit drugs are smuggled into the United States from foreign locations. These include cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine and marijuana. Some traffickers have also been known to smuggle other psychoactive substances such as fentanyl and ecstasy, as well as prescription drugs like opioid painkillers.

The drug trade has a wide array of negative consequences for both producing and consuming nations. These include damage to local communities, increased violent crimes and political instability, which can undermine law enforcement efforts.

Drug prevention strategies focus on preventing people from becoming addicted to drugs by teaching them about the dangers of substance use and the risks it poses to their health, relationships and career prospects. It also includes providing support to young people who have been through trauma or are living in difficult circumstances that make them vulnerable to experimenting with drugs.