Population Snapshot
Of the 64,124 cases reported to the Commission in fiscal year 2023, 19,066 involved drugs.[1] Of those, 18,939 cases involved drug trafficking.[2] Seven drug types account for 98.1% of drug trafficking offenses. Quick Facts provide an overview of these offenses, though this information may vary depending on the type of drug involved in the offense. [3], [4]
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Individual and Offense Characteristics
- 83.6% of individuals sentenced for drug trafficking were men.
- 43.5% were Hispanic, 27.6% were Black, 25.8% were White, and 3.0% were Other races.
- Their average age was 38 years.
- 81.9% were United States citizens.
- 42.5% had little or no prior criminal history (Criminal History Category I); 5.6% were career offenders.
- Sentences were increased for:
- possessing a weapon (28.8%);
- a leadership or supervisory role in the offense (6.3%).
- Sentences were decreased for:
- minor or minimal participation in the offense (18.3%);
- meeting the safety valve criteria in the sentencing guidelines (33.2%).
- The top five districts for drug trafficking offenses were:
- Southern District of California (1,457);
- Western District of Texas (920);
- Southern District of Texas (884);
- Northern District of Texas (722);
- District of Puerto Rico (573).
Punishment
- The average sentence for drug trafficking was 82 months but varied by drug type.
- 97.2% were sentenced to prison.
- 62.1% were convicted of an offense carrying a mandatory minimum penalty; 53.5% were relieved of that penalty.
[1] Drug offenses include cases where individuals were sentenced under USSG Chapter Two, Part D (Drugs).
[2] Individuals sentenced for drug trafficking were sentenced under USSG §§2D1.1 (Drug Trafficking), 2D1.2 (Protected Locations), 2D1.5 (Continuing Criminal Enterprise), 2D1.6 (Use of a Communication Facility), 2D1.8 (Rent/Manage Drug Establishment), 2D1.10 (Endangering Human Life), or 2D1.14 (Narco-Terrorism).
[3] Cases with incomplete sentencing information were excluded from the analysis.
[4] The 'Fentanyl' category includes both Fentanyl (N-phenyl-N-[1-(2-phenylethyl)-4-piperidinyl] Propanamide) and Fentanyl Analogue.
SOURCE: United States Sentencing Commission, FY 2019 through FY 2023 Datafiles, USSCFY19-USSCFY23.