Huge Quantity of Heroin Seized in Bronx Term Paper

Huge Quantity of Heroin Seized in Bronx - Term Paper Example The men arrested in this particular operation would be booked for various charges, including those related to other offenses linked to their primary operation of narcotics processing and distribution. But two of the main charges against them would be Criminal Possession of Controlled Substances and Criminal Sale of Controlled Substances, as per the New York Penal Law. Depending on pertinent facts of individual cases, the punishments of these crimes vary from a simple fine to imprisonment for a duration extending to more than a decade.But in this particular case, as the arrested men are a part of a well-organized criminal gang, there is a very small possibility of the eventual punishment being on the milder side. As a matter of fact, it would not be an exaggeration in maintaining that the accused, in all probability, would be handed over a severe sentence. It needs to be conceded that the final punishment in the case would rely on various vital factors such as other facts of the case and the defense, to cite a few. Before focusing on the aspect of the defense, an understanding needs to be obtained about the two Latin Terms –Actus Reus and Mens Rea. This is of utmost relevance for thoroughly appreciating the likely possibilities of this particular case. Actus Reus, which means a â€Å"guilty act†, refers to the actual act that is punishable by the Criminal Law. On the other hand, Mens Rea, whose meaning is guilty mind, refers to the actual intention in the mind of the person, while committing that act.