Drug trafficking crimes involve possession of a controlled substance above a legally established amount. Actions that signify intent to distribute a drug also fall under these statutes.
In South Carolina, some drug trafficking convictions carry a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison without probation.
Cannabis trafficking laws
A person possessing at least 100 marijuana plants will receive a South Carolina drug trafficking charge. Possession of less than 100 plants and/or dried cannabis constitutes trafficking if their total weight exceeds 10 pounds.
State penalties for marijuana trafficking vary by amount as follows:
- Between 10 and 100 pounds carries fines of up to $10,000 and between one and 10 years in prison
- One hundred to 2,000 pounds carries fines up to $25,000 and a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison
- Two thousand to 10,000 pounds carries fines up to $25,000 and a mandatory minimum of 30 years in prison
Cocaine and crack cocaine trafficking
As with cannabis, first-offense trafficking penalties for cocaine and crack cocaine vary by weight as follows:
- Ten to 28 grams: Up to $25,000 in fines and three to 10 years in prison
- Twenty-eight to 100 grams: Up to $50,000 in fines and seven to 25 years in prison
- More than 100 grams: At least 25 years in prison and at least $50,000 in fines
Heroin offenses
Heroin trafficking charges carry state penalties as follows:
- Four to 14 grams: seven to 25 years in prison and a $50,000 fine
- Fourteen to 28 grams: 25 years in prison and fines up to $200,000
- More than 28 grams: 25 to 40 years in prison and a $200,000 fine
South Carolina also has a mandatory minimum of at least five years in jail and up to $50,000 in fines for a second trafficking offense of any amount. A third offense carries mandatory minimums of at least $50,000 in fines and 10 years in prison. Se habla español.
