Like other states, Pennsylvania is getting tough on crimes related to drug activity. In many cases of suspected drug crimes, authorities conduct a lengthy investigation prior to an arrest. But a lengthy investigation does not necessarily mean an accused person is guilty. With these thoughts in mind, Pittsburgh readers may be interested to hear of a Pennsylvania couple who are currently facing multiple counts of felony drug charges after just such an investigation.

The 39-year-old husband and his 26-year-old wife are accused of drug crimes that purportedly occurred through use of the postal service. Police claim the husband and wife were sending and receiving packages through the mail that allegedly contained marijuana. The investigation began on July 1 when a Pennsylvania post office apparently alerted the postal inspection service about some suspicious parcels sent between California, Curwensville and Clearfield.

In question were one six-pound package from California to Pennsylvania, and four outbound packages from Pennsylvania to California. The six-pound package was addressed to a woman. And police say the woman renting the box is the same 26-year-old woman who was arrested.

The postal service inspectors then discovered that the husband had apparently opened a postal box at a different post office on Aug. 15. Reportedly, authorities performed a criminal background check on the couple to find that both had a history of drug charges. The husband also had an outstanding warrant for a drug-related offense in Washington State.

On Nov. 17, postal officers alerted authorities to another package that had arrived for the woman. A search by a drug dog was said to have given a positive alert. A federal warrant to search the package was obtained, and authorities say it contained 1,452 grams of marijuana. The contents were allegedly photographed and the box resealed for delivery.

On the following day, the woman supposedly picked up the package at the post office, where she was arrested and taken back to her residence. She called her husband and instructed him to come home. Upon arrival, he was informed of the investigation and allegedly signed consent to search his residence. The couple is now facing multiple charges related to the manufacturing and delivery of controlled substances, in addition to multiple criminal conspiracy charges. If convicted, each individual could face a substantial prison sentence. They must now focus their attention on preparing a criminal defense that protects their rights and seeks an acquittal or a reduction of charges.

Source: The Progress, "Couple headed to trial on drug charges," Jeff Corcino, Dec. 1, 2011