Narcotics Unit

The Narcotics Unit of the Northampton County District Attorney’s Office leads the fight against illegal drug trafficking and related criminal activity across the county. Under the direction of Deputy District Attorney Joseph R. Stauffer, the unit handles a wide range of drug cases—from street-level distribution to large-scale trafficking conspiracies.

Investigating & Prosecuting Drug Crimes

In close partnership with the Northampton County Drug Task Force (NCDTF), our prosecutors coordinate complex investigations and prosecutions aimed at dismantling drug networks and removing dangerous substances from our communities. The unit works collaboratively with:

  • Local Police Departments

  • Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

  • Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)

  • Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

  • Other State and Federal Agencies

This coordinated approach ensures that offenders are held accountable at every level, and that investigations are thorough, strategic, and community-focused.

Asset Forfeiture & Community Impact

In addition to criminal prosecution, the Narcotics Unit also manages asset forfeiture proceedings, targeting the profits and tools of drug trafficking. The goal of drug asset forfeiture is to deter drug-related activity by eliminating the economic incentives related to drug trafficking. By seizing money and property connected to drug crimes, we:

  • Disrupt criminal enterprises

  • Remove financial incentives for illegal activity

  • Return valuable resources to the community

If appropriate, funds recovered through drug forfeitures can be used by community-based drug and crime-fighting programs and for relocation and protection of witnesses in criminal cases. Real property could be given to a non-profit organization to combat blight that results from a violation of the Controlled Substances Act.

 

 

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