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Dangers of manufacturing methamphetamine in Michigan

On Behalf of | Jun 21, 2019 | Uncategorized |

The popularity of the show “Breaking Bad” has led some people to romanticize the production of illicit drugs, including methamphetamine. Some people view making meth as a way to earn a lot of money in a short amount of time. It is an activity fraught with risk.

Michigan has a firm stance on the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine. Anyone involved with the production of methamphetamine, from the individuals who purchase medication that gets used in the manufacture of methamphetamine, to those who operate or house the laboratories, could face extreme criminal consequences for their involvement.

In fact, it is possible for someone to face multiple criminal charges all stemming from the same arrest. That could mean increased penalties and more time in jail.

Manufacturer and possession with intent carry criminal consequences

When someone gets busted in the possession of a large amount of a certain substance, law enforcement can accuse them of possession with intent. The intent relates to their desire to sell the product to other people.

Possession with intent carries more severe consequences than standard possession charges, which get more severe depending on the amount of methamphetamine found and the previous criminal record of the individual. In other words, there doesn’t need to be proof that you sold meth to others to face increased penalties related to the sale and distribution of this drug.

As if possession with intent wasn’t a serious enough concern, there are separate penalties for the manufacture of methamphetamine. If police can tie you to the chemical process by which other substances get turned into this dangerous Schedule II drug, they will likely charge you with manufacturing offenses as well as possession offenses.

Many aspects of operating a meth lab are criminal in Michigan

In any chemical process, you have to obtain ingredients, control the environment and often stabilize the end product. There are also waste compounds to consider. When it comes to making methamphetamine, the entire process is relatively toxic.

Individuals can cause damage to rental units that may become criminal property damage depending on how much it costs the owner to remedy the issue. Any attempt to get rid of the byproducts or ingredients used in methamphetamine manufacturing could also result in criminal charges.

Many of the compounds used to make meth are hazardous, and the attempt to dispose of them without proper licensing can lead to additional criminal consequences. A single arrest could be enough to impact you for the rest of your life. That is why anyone in the greater Grand Rapids area facing criminal charges related to the manufacture of methamphetamine should meet with an attorney as soon as possible.