Stolen New Jersey packages lead to drug charge for woman

Police arrested a woman who they say was involved in a drug conspiracy with several other individuals. According to New Jersey police, the drug charge arises from police officials’ investigation into a post office worker who had allegedly taken packages that were addressed to recipients along her mail route. Police alleged that these packages were shipped from outside New Jersey and that they contained significant quantities of cocaine.

The 30-year-old woman was taken into custody after police tracked a package that the woman had taken to her residence. Her boyfriend, a 36-year-old man, was also arrested. Police charged the woman with several crimes, including theft of mail and drug conspiracy.

Police have stated that the woman began to take certain packages as early as 2010. In all, it is alleged that the woman was involved in transporting over 18 kilograms of cocaine. It is unclear when the woman and her boyfriend will be arraigned on the charges or whether police have identified any other defendants in the case.

It has not been made clear by New Jersey police at this time how the woman knew that the packages she allegedly took contained illegal drugs. In order to prove that the woman is in fact guilty of the charges, prosecutors may have to show that the woman had sufficient knowledge that the packages she took, were filled with illegal substances, in addition to proving every other element of the crimes charged. This may be a difficult burden for the state and could result in an acquittal if insufficient evidence is presented to prove all the elements of the drug charge to a New Jersey court or jury.

Source: USA Today, “N.J. mail carrier accused of delivering Puerto Rico cocaine,” Michael Winter, Aug. 31, 2012