An editorial in the Oregonian this week sums up a conundrum around the country. Despite crimes relating to meth being down overall, a national report not yet released seems to state that the supply of the drug is actually increasing due to new Mexican manufacturing.
Meth was a huge problem in the late nineties and early 2000s. The drug is highly addictive and was seen as a motivating factor in many property and even violent crimes. The manufacturing of meth was also highly dangerous, putting those around it at risk of death.
As the system started to get an understanding of the methods of making the drug, they enacted laws across the country to control its availability. This, paired with harsh prosecutions, is seen as potential reasons why we have seen such a decline over the past several years.
The ingredients used to make meth are much harder to come by now that you cannot purchase pseudoephedrine containing drugs (used in the recipe) without signing a registry at the pharmacy. Although it can be done, meth is now largely made in much smaller batches.
The New York Times this week, released a report entitled “National Methamphetamine Threat Assessment 2010”. The report came from the National Drug Intelligence Center and states, among other things, that the illegal transport of meth and its ingredients is occurring between the States and Mexico, actually increasing the supply of the drug once again.
It is said that this report wasn’t released when it was initially ready due to Mexican President Felipe Calderon’s visit to Washington. The White House Administration reportedly didn’t want to create any tension between the two countries prior to this diplomatic visit. When you also factor in the increasingly tense immigration issues, the potential flood of meth from Mexico is far more complex than it may initially appear.
Meth is a highly addictive and dangerous drug. It is considered a Schedule II drug, one of the most dangerous classifications. Other Schedule II drugs include cocaine, opium, and crack.
If you are caught in possession of meth, you could face Class C felony charges, fairly serious for a non-violent crime. Class C felonies carry a potential sentence of up to 5 years in prison and $100,000 in fines. While a clean criminal history improves your chances of probation, nothing is guaranteed in the Oregon criminal courts.
If you are facing charges of possessing or even manufacturing meth, you need an aggressive attorney in your corner. Contact our law offices today for some helpful legal advice.