Maybe you thought it was harmless. Maybe it was just a favor for a friend. Or maybe you had no idea what was in the package.
But if you’re under investigation—or have already been charged—for shipping drugs through the mail or across state lines, you’re now facing federal criminal charges. And those don’t go away quietly.
At Wolf Law, we’ve represented Colorado residents caught in federal investigations involving the U.S. Postal Service, UPS, FedEx, or interstate drug trafficking cases. These cases move fast, hit hard, and carry the full weight of federal law.
Here’s what you need to know if you’re in the government’s crosshairs—and how to protect yourself before it’s too late.
Why Shipping Drugs Is a Federal Offense
If you send illegal substances through the mail—or transport them across state lines—you’re no longer just dealing with Colorado law. You’re on the radar of federal agencies, including:
- The DEA (Drug Enforcement Administration)
- Homeland Security
- The U.S. Postal Inspection Service
- Federal prosecutors in the District of Colorado
Even if the drug in question (like marijuana) is legal in Colorado, federal law still classifies it as a controlled substance. That means mailing weed, THC gummies, vape cartridges, or other cannabis products can result in federal drug trafficking charges.
And if the package contains fentanyl, cocaine, meth, ecstasy, or prescription pills, the stakes are even higher.
Real Consequences: What You’re Up Against
Federal drug charges aren’t just tougher—they’re designed to stick.
If you’re convicted of shipping drugs, you could face:
- Mandatory minimum sentences (often starting at 5–10 years)
- Felony conviction
- Federal prison time
- Asset seizure
- Loss of voting rights and firearm ownership
- A permanent criminal record visible in background checks nationwide
And prosecutors don’t just go after the person who dropped the package off. If they believe you helped package, paid for shipping, used someone else’s address, or even knew what was happening—they may charge you as a co-conspirator.
How These Cases Typically Start
Federal drug shipping cases often begin long before the defendant knows it. Red flags that could trigger an investigation include:
- Anonymous tips from postal workers or neighbors
- Random package screening by USPS, FedEx, or UPS
- Sniff alerts from K9 units at sorting facilities
- Suspicious shipping patterns—like frequent out-of-state packages, heavy boxes, or unusual return addresses
Once a package is flagged, agents may obtain a search warrant, make a controlled delivery, or even track the recipients electronically.
If your name, address, or phone number appears anywhere in the chain, you could be contacted—or arrested—by federal agents.
What to Do If You’re Under Investigation
If the feds show up at your door, do not panic—but do not speak to them alone.
It’s very common for agents to say things like:
- “You’re not in trouble—just help us understand what happened.”
- “We just want to get the person really responsible.”
- “If you cooperate now, it’ll go easier for you later.”
Don’t fall for it. They are not on your side. Their job is to build a case—and everything you say can and will be used against you.
Instead:
- Stay calm
- Do not answer questions
- Contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately
At Wolf Law, we step in fast. We contact the U.S. Attorney’s Office, assess the investigation status, and protect your rights before charges are even filed. If charges have already been filed, we begin building your defense immediately and position you for the best possible outcome.
Building a Defense Against Federal Drug Charges
These cases are complex, but they’re not unbeatable. Depending on the details, we may be able to:
- Challenge how the evidence was gathered (illegal search? invalid warrant?)
- Question who actually possessed or sent the drugs
- Argue lack of intent or knowledge
- Negotiate for reduced charges or alternatives to prison
Federal cases often come with stacked charges, but we’ve seen success by attacking the foundation early, before prosecutors have locked in their strategy.
Charged or Contacted About Shipping Drugs? Call Wolf Law Today.
If you’ve been accused of mailing or transporting drugs—even if it’s “just” marijuana—you’re now playing by federal rules. That means longer sentences, aggressive prosecutors, and fewer second chances.
But with the right defense, you can fight back—and protect your future.
Call Wolf Law today to schedule a free consultation. We’ll review the facts, handle communication with federal agents, and give you the straight answers you need right now.
You don’t have to go through this alone—and you shouldn’t.
