An 18-year-old man, who until recently attended the University of California Santa Cruz, could face decades in prison if convicted on charges of selling cocaine and methamphetamine. Undercover agents from the Department of Homeland Security allege that he built a mobile phone application called Banana Plug that enabled the sale and distribution of various recreational drugs like marijuana, cocaine, molly and mushrooms. He paid bail to obtain his release ahead of his next court appearance.
Agents described using the app to communicate with the man and arrange drug purchases on three occasions. A news release from the attorney’s office for the Northern District of California revealed that law enforcement arrested him at his dorm room. Indictments on four counts of possession of cocaine and methamphetamine with an intent to distribute have left him facing felonies.
His application had been available in the Apple App Store until the company removed it. He allegedly advertised the app with flyers around campus that enticed people with the promise of “We Have What You Want.” The app looked like a game, and its maker derived the name Banana Plug from the school’s Banana Slug mascot.
When a drug trafficking investigation results in an arrest, the person in custody may wish to gain information about their rights from a criminal defense attorney. A legal consultation may help a person decide how to enter a plea in court. An examination of the evidence might provide the attorney with insights that support a defense strategy. Whether representing a person at trial or seeking a plea deal, an attorney may strive to shield the person from aggressive prosecution.
Source: Oxygen, “College Student Busted For Allegedly Setting Up Drug-Selling App Called ‘Banana Plug’“, Eric Shorey, Feb. 21, 2019
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