Edward G. Sanchez v. United States

Edward G. Sanchez appeals from his conviction for violation of Title 21, Section 174 of the United States Code (sale and concealment of narcotics).

This court has jurisdiction under Title 28, Sections 1291 and 1294 of the United States Code.

Appellant first alleges that there was insufficient evidence to support a finding that appellant knew the narcotics were unlawfully imported. Under the provisions of Title 21, Section 174 of the United States Code, once possession is established it is presumed that the possessor had knowledge of the illegal importation. The burden then shifts to the accused to demonstrate that his possession came from a legtimate source.

In a prior ruling of this court we upheld this statutory presumption on two grounds: (1) the rational relationship between possession and knowledge of the fact of illegal importation, and (2) the relative convenience of the possessor to show a legitimate source. Hernandez v. United States (CCA 9th, 1962), 300 F.2d 114, 118 . We find no reason to alter our position here.

The second contention on appeal is that the presumption set forth in Title 21, Section 174 of the United States Code is an abridgement of appellant’s right…