If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, you’re likely overwhelmed with questions and concerns. The Atlanta Police Department’s (APD) Airport Drug Interdiction Unit (ADIU) has specific strategies and procedures in place to monitor and intercept narcotics at the airport. Understanding how this unit operates can shed light on your situation—and ensure you take the right steps to protect your rights and future.

At W. Scott Smith, PC, we specialize in defending individuals accused of drug trafficking and other serious drug-related offenses. Our team has in-depth knowledge of the APD’s Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) and how these can impact your case. Here’s what you should know about the ADIU and how we can help.

How the Airport Drug Interdiction Unit Operates

Hartsfield-Jackson is one of the busiest airports in the world, making it a key focus of law enforcement for intercepting illegal narcotics. The ADIU, a specialized unit within the Atlanta Police Department, uses a variety of tactics to detect and deter drug trafficking. According to their Standard Operating Procedure, their methods include:

1. On-Site Observation: ADIU officers conduct independent investigations by physically observing passengers arriving or departing from the airport. They monitor behavior and other indicators to identify potential drug trafficking activity.
2. Informant and Jurisdictional Information: The ADIU relies on tips from informants, other law enforcement jurisdictions, and reliable sources to investigate drug-related activity involving passengers or employees at the airport.
3. Debriefing of Arrestees: Individuals arrested for drug-related offenses are often debriefed to gather additional intelligence that can further ongoing investigations.
4. Collaboration with Other Agencies: The ADIU works closely with agencies like Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), U.S. Customs Service, and other local and federal law enforcement bodies to prevent the movement of narcotics through the airport.
5. Use of K-9 Units: Specially trained K-9 officers are employed for narcotic detection, making the ADIU highly effective at identifying drugs concealed in luggage, cargo, or on individuals.

 

 

 

What This Means for Your Case

The ADIU is a sophisticated unit with extensive resources dedicated to identifying drug trafficking activity. However, their aggressive surveillance, investigative tactics, and reliance on informants are not immune to legal challenges. At W. Scott Smith, PC, we will scrutinize every aspect of your case, including:

• Potential Violations of Your Rights: Did the officers have reasonable suspicion or probable cause to stop or search you? Were the methods they used in compliance with state or federal law?
• Search and Seizure Procedures: The ADIU must follow strict protocols when gathering evidence, such as ensuring that all searches and detentions are lawful. Any deviation from these procedures could result in key evidence being excluded from your case.
• Reliability of Informants and K-9 Alerts: Informant information and K-9 alerts are common tools for the ADIU, but both are subject to legal scrutiny. We will investigate the reliability of these sources and whether they were properly used in your situation.
• Surveillance and Body-Worn Camera Footage: ADIU officers are required to comply with APD’s body-worn camera policies (APD.SOP.3133). If video evidence is missing or improperly handled, it could work in your favor.

Why You Need Experienced Legal Representation

A drug trafficking charge is serious, with potentially life-altering consequences, including significant prison time and hefty fines. The ADIU’s resources and training make them formidable opponents, but with the right legal strategy, you can level the playing field. At W. Scott Smith, PC, we are dedicated to crafting a defense tailored to your unique circumstances.

Our team will:

• Investigate whether the ADIU followed its Standard Operating Procedures.
• Challenge the legality of the search, arrest, and evidence collection.
• Work with prosecutors to negotiate reduced charges or alternative sentencing options, if applicable.

Don’t Face These Charges Alone—Contact W. Scott Smith, PC Today

If you’ve been charged with drug trafficking through Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, time is of the essence. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to challenge the evidence and build a strong defense. Let W. Scott Smith, PC stand by your side and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.

Call us today at 404-581-0999 for a free consultation. Your rights, freedom, and future are too important to leave to chance.

At W. Scott Smith, PC, we understand the intricacies of the Atlanta Police Department’s Airport Drug Interdiction Unit and how to effectively counter their tactics. Let us put our experience to work for you.