Methamphetamine -- or meth for short -- is a dangerous and addictive drug that is illegal under both state and federal criminal laws. Well known for its gruesome side effects like rotting teeth, scabs and severe weight loss, as well as insomnia, convulsions, paranoia, brain damage, kidney impairment, blood clots, psychosis, depression, violent behavior, death and more, it's clear why criminal penalties are so stiff for possession, manufacture, transport and sale of the drug.
Kansas City trend
The Kansas City Star published a detailed article in August 2013 about the proliferation of Mexican methamphetamineinto the Kansas City metro area. Previously meth was largely made in home-made laboratories out of mostly ingredients easily available like iodine, lithium from batteries, anhydrous ammonia and more, as well as active ingredients in medications like Sudafed such as pseudoephedrine or ephedrine.
In fact, the National Drug Intelligence Center reports that in 2001 Kansas was fourth in the nation for seizures of meth labs, equipment, chemicals and dumpsites. However, access to the medications used in production has been severely restricted and controlled, making local production more difficult, and opening a market demand for imported meth from Mexico.
Illegal components of the drug flow from Asia to Mexico for meth production, after which it enters the U.S. through California for further dispersal. According to The Kansas City Star, Kansas City's central location at the intersection of Interstates 35 and 70 make it a convenient hub for meth distribution and drug money transport nationally, especially on the way to and from Chicago.
In fact, the largest meth bust in Douglas County, Kan., history occurred in August, with a street value of $1 million.
Crime and punishment
State and federal laws concerning meth are strict. For example, here are some of the Kansas state meth crimes, many of them felonies:-Possessing certain chemicals or drug paraphernalia used in meth production with the intention of manufacturing a controlled substance.-Allowing a child under 18 to be in a place where meth chemicals or equipment is stored.-Hiding, injecting, ingesting or inhaling meth into the body.-Buying or acquiring more than a certain amount of particular chemicals used in meth production in any one transaction or within 30 days.-Advertising or distributing a product containing any of several ingredients used in meth or drug paraphernalia if it is reasonable to know that the buyer will use it to make a controlled substance.-And more.
Criminal sanctions for meth crimes can include imprisonment; significant fines; drug evaluation, education or treatment; and more.
Strong criminal defense imperative
If you are under investigation for, have been arrested for or charged with a Kansas, Missouri or federal crime relating to methamphetamine or another illegal substance, seek legal counsel as early in the process as possible to see that your rights are protected. Your criminal defense lawyer will provide important legal advice and mount a vigorous defense on your behalf. The penalties can be very severe and life changing so the possibility of conviction must be approached with the utmost caution.
Article provided by Cornwell Vokins Visit us at http://www.vokinslaw.com
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