Michigan Goes Tough on Methamphetamine Production Charges

There is no doubt that methamphetamine causes untold damage in people’s lives. This being said, an addict trying to support an addiction should not face the same punishment as a drug trafficker.

Methamphetamine Possession, Manufacture, and Distribution

Former Governor Rick Snyder recently signed three bills into law to curb meth production in Michigan. These laws are intended to make it more challenging to produce methamphetamine by preventing people from buying small amounts of medication, critical ingredients in meth production that are generally used to treat colds, from numerous stores.

Three new laws aimed at curbing ‘smurf’ involvement

This legislation consists of three new laws, House Bill 5363, House Bill 5089, and House Bill 5090, each part of a seven-bill package dealing with meth production and offenses in Michigan.

1) Prohibits buying and possessing ephedrine or pseudoephedrine knowing it will be used to cook meth; subject to 5 years in prison and a $5,000 fine.

2) It Makes it a crime to ask another person to buy either ephedrine or pseudoephedrine.

3) Classifies that soliciting someone to buy ephedrine or pseudoephedrine, to be used as meth components, is a felony carrying a penalty of up to 10 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.

These three new laws are aimed at the people known as ‘smurfs.’ These are often young people who purchase ingredients used in meth production; under the new legislation, these ‘smurfs’ will be held more accountable, and the relationship between drug ringleader and ‘smurfs’ will be subject to harsher penalties.

Part of a wider system of illegal meth and drug production in Michigan

These laws go into effect in January and will impact the prosecution and punishment of those accused of felony meth production in Michigan. This legislation package also creates a meth offender database and requires police to report meth convictions to a national database that tracks real-time pharmacy sales. Under this new act, the system will alert a pharmacist should a person attempting to purchase these ingredients have been convicted of a meth-related offense in the past 10 years, in which case such an individual could only purchase medication with a prescription.

Michigan drug defense attorneys

If you, or someone you know, is charged with a drug-related misdemeanor or felony, you will need a Michigan Drug Defense Attorney. It is essential to have expert legal counsel by your side, and the attorneys at LEWIS & DICKSTEIN P.L.L.C. can help. We have decades of experience dealing with drug-related offenses. We will do everything possible to help you, and we are not afraid to win!

Call us today at (248) 263-6800 for a free consultation or complete a Request for Assistance Form. We will contact you promptly and find a way to help you.