In Pennsylvania, any criminal charge that involves the delivery, distribution or trafficking of a controlled substance is a very serious matter. However, drug cases are also oftentimes overcharged. With a strong defense and an aggressive attorney on your side, it is possible that these charges can be reduced or dismissed entirely.

Last week, five individuals were charged with running a profitable LSD-distribution ring outside of a West Philadelphia home. Two of the individuals who face drug distribution charges are students from Drexel University.

According to police, investigations of the alleged LSD-distribution ring began on Jan 18. A student from Drexel University had been arrested for charges involving marijuana and a gun. After his arrest, he told police that he would cooperate with them and he provided them with information about an alleged drug ring that distributed LSD in the area.

During the investigation, police recorded phone calls between the student and another Drexel University student. During the phone calls, the two students allegedly set up a drug deal. The second student was arrested after the deal was set up, and police reported that the student also agreed to help police in their investigations.

After conducting the investigation of the alleged LSD-distribution ring, police raided a home in the Philadelphia area that was believed to be where the drug transactions were taking place. Police arrested the owner of the home, a 31-year-old man, as well as two other individuals. While searching the residence, police confiscated more than 9,000 hits of acid and $10,000 in cash. The drugs are believed to a have a street value of about $28,000.

All of the individuals arrested were charged with possession with intent to deliver and conspiracy. Because a child was at the home at the time of the raid, the individuals were also charged with child endangerment.

If a Philadelphia resident or college student is guilty of committing a minor drug crime, such as simple possession of a controlled substance, it is extremely important that he or she does not face legal or social penalties for more serious crimes than the ones that were actually committed. However, while an investigation is pending, college students are at risk of being suspended until their names are cleared from criminal charges

Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, "Five charged with running LSD ring near Drexel," Allison Steele, Feb. 1, 2012