21 U.S.C. § 963 – Attempt and conspiracy (controlled substance import/export conspiracies)
This statute makes it a crime to try to import or export controlled substances, or to agree with others to do so.
Section 963 covers attempts and conspiracies involving the importation or exportation of controlled substances. A person breaks this law if they try to bring drugs into or out of the United States, or if they take part in an agreement with others to commit that offense. The government does not have to prove that the import or export actually happened.
Main rule.
Anyone who attempts or conspires to commit a drug importation or exportation offense faces the same penalties as the completed crime. This includes the penalties listed in Sections 952 and 960 of the federal drug laws.
Because the punishment matches the underlying offense, conspiracies involving large quantities of certain drugs can lead to long prison sentences, heavy fines, and other federal penalties—even when no drugs are successfully transported.
If you’re under investigation for a federal drug importation conspiracy, fast legal action matters. Send us a message or call (314) 900-HELP to speak with a federal criminal defense attorney today.
