Sal,

meaning no disrespect....if that had been your bro-in-law's first offense...I'd buy that he was just a troubled guy who should maybe do a short stretch.
He doesn't have a history of violence but how many times is the state supposed to let him commit crimes only to be released to commit more?

I'm far from a street guy, but I came of age at the dawn of the crack era. Dudes ruined their futures to stand on the corner for basically "sneaker money". I knew of people who made the choice to enter that life and when you do that you accept the legal consequences that come with it. That life is a maze that maybe 15% of guys ever make it out of. Your bro-in-law knew full well what the risks were when he decided to transport.