Understanding Maryland’s Harsh "Drug Kingpin" Laws

 Posted on November 21, 2025 in Drug Crimes

Many of us may have heard the term "drug kingpin" on a television show or movie. Far fewer are aware that there are specific Maryland drug kingpin laws (Criminal Law Article Section 5-613 and 5-612) that target individuals who allegedly supervise, manage, or finance large-scale drug operations.

These drug kingpin laws do not require the accused to physically handle drugs; rather, they focus on organization, leadership, and control within a drug trafficking enterprise. Unlike ordinary possession or distribution charges, kingpin allegations target anyone the state believes is controlling a drug-trafficking network. If proven, this leadership can trigger mandatory minimum sentences of 20 years in prison without parole.

If you are facing drug kingpin charges, it is essential that you understand how the state defines a "kingpin," how prosecutors build these cases, and what defenses exist that can take the "kingpin" label off the table. A highly knowledgeable Harford, MD criminal defense lawyer can thoroughly evaluate the charges and evidence against you, then work hard for the best outcome possible.   

What is a Drug Kingpin in Maryland?

Being labeled a "kingpin" in a Maryland drug case is about quantity of drugs, but it is even more about the role. The person charged with being a drug kingpin must have a leadership position in the operation that goes beyond possession or distribution. This means that the individual is an organizer, supervisor, manager, or financier of a drug operation.

The person must be knowingly and willfully participating in the drug trafficking operation, and there must be a clear distinction between "working in" a drug trafficking operation and "running" a drug network. A drug kingpin is associated with drug quantities that meet the state’s volume dealer thresholds, and his or her role must go far beyond a courier, driver, or mid-level dealer with no decision-making authority.

What Drug Quantities Can Trigger Drug Kingpin Exposure?

Maryland has "volume dealer" thresholds, which are specific weights of drugs that, when met, can support the kingpin designation so long as leadership is also proven. Some of these thresholds include:

• 28 grams of heroin
• 5 grams of fentanyl
• 28 grams of methamphetamine
• 45 kilograms of cannabis concentrate
• 448 grams (one pound) of cocaine
• 1,000 doses of LSD
• 50 pounds of marijuana

Remember – just because these thresholds are met does not automatically support drug kingpin charges. However, it does allow prosecutors to layer the kingpin statute on top of the charges if managerial control can be clearly shown.

What Are the Maryland Penalties for a Drug Kingpin Conviction?

The drug kingpin designation imposes some of the harshest penalties in the state code, with a mandatory minimum of 20 years in prison. Parole is not allowed during the mandatory minimum, and fines can reach one million dollars. Drug kingpin charges are often accompanied by other charges like conspiracy, continuing criminal enterprise, and volume dealer.

What Must Prosecutors Prove in a Drug Kingpin Case?

Beyond large quantities of drugs, the prosecutor must show clear leadership, which could include owning "stash" houses, controlling cash flows, managing drivers, couriers, or runners, or financing purchases and fronting drugs. The kingpin will direct others to deliver, store, or package drugs and use intermediaries as a method of insulating himself or herself from criminal penalties. Wiretaps are often used in these cases to show decision-making authority.

What Are the Most Common Defenses to Drug Kingpin Charges?

Depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the charges, a defense lawyer may argue that:

• There was no true leadership role
• The informant or co-conspirator testimony is unreliable
• There is insufficient evidence of control or organization
• There were insufficient quantities of the drug seized
• The wiretap was overly broad or was issued without probable cause
• There was no constructive possession

Contact a Northern Baltimore County, MD Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you have been charged under Maryland’s drug kingpin statute or believe you may be under investigation, an experienced Harford County, MD drug crimes attorney from Baltimore Legal Services can help. Early intervention is critical to push for reduced charges before the case escalates. We are available 24/7 and have helped more than 10,000 clients facing criminal charges. Call 858-523-8423 to schedule a free consultation.