What must law enforcement officers establish to charge someone with trafficking?

To charge someone with trafficking in controlled substances, law enforcement officers must establish that the individual had both the knowledge and intent to distribute a controlled substance. This is crucial because trafficking not only involves possessing a quantity of a controlled substance, but it also includes the intent to sell or distribute it. The law recognizes that mere possession, without the intent to distribute, does not meet the threshold for trafficking charges.

Knowledge pertains to the individual being aware of the substance they possess, confirming that it falls under the category of controlled substances. Intent involves demonstrating that the person planned to sell or distribute the controlled substance rather than just hold it for personal use. This combination of knowledge and intent is fundamental to proving that trafficking, which is a more serious offense due to its implications for public health and safety, has occurred.

Other options may touch on aspects of drug-related offenses but do not encompass the specific legal criteria necessary for trafficking charges, making them insufficient on their own when addressing the legal definition and requirements for trafficking.