The traditional approach of arresting drug offenders for distribution often entails an informant and many undercover purchases. Securing a conviction with this approach requires an inordinate amount of time, personnel, and money. In contrast, drug conspiracy is a separate offense and does not depend on whether the individual accomplished the conspiracy's goal of selling drugs. As a result, investigations that focus on the simple elements of proof for conspiracy can achieve many of the same results as more complex investigations but with less cost and effort. Evidence of a conspiracy may consist of simple documents such as car rental agreements, hotel receipts, and telephone bills. Undercover police officers can also testify about the events they see and hear. The questions that the police officer asks a defendant during recorded conversations can also reveal the truth about the defendant's intent. Other investigative techniques include mail covers and trash runs. Cases involving past drug transactions require similar investigative techniques and may result in the arrest of notorious drug traffickers. The main benefits of drug conspiracy cases are their cost efficiency, simplicity, crime prevention aspects, ability to use the exception to the hearsay rule of evidence, and applicability of asset forfeiture laws. 9 reference notes and photographs