Fentanyl-Laced Drugs in Orange County

According to a recent Los Angeles Times article, Riverside County authorities successfully seized over $1.5 million worth of fentanyl-laced drugs. The District Attorney’s office took possession of approximately 40,000 M30 pills containing fentanyl, as well as five kilograms of powdered fentanyl, and additional firearms. Fentanyl stands as a leading cause of drug-related fatalities in the United States and its prevalence on the streets continues to rise.

Understanding the implications of this discovery and the potential legal consequences is crucial. Fentanyl, a highly addictive synthetic opioid, surpasses heroin and meth in potency. Its affordability compared to other opioids contributes to its widespread availability. Shockingly, a minuscule two milligrams of fentanyl can prove fatal, while a tablespoon typically holds around 5,000 milligrams.

Law enforcement agencies nationwide have been actively combating this specific drug. Unfortunately, many individuals unknowingly consume fentanyl, mistaking it for substances like oxycodone or cocaine due to its clandestine nature. Heightened awareness and education surrounding this issue are paramount.

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Now, there are several potential crimes involved in this case – drug possession, prescription fraud, and possibly Watson murder.

Unfortunately, there is limited information available regarding the penalties for the accused in this particular situation. The Riverside District Attorney’s Office has been reluctant to disclose details about the case, and we’re currently unaware of the individual who was in possession of $1.5 million worth of fentanyl.

Based on my expertise, it is most likely that the defendants would face charges of drug possession or potentially drug sales. Drug possession is considered a misdemeanor offense, while drug sales are categorized as a felony. Considering the substantial quantity of this lethal substance, additional enhancements would likely be applied to ensure severe sentencing.

If the accused stole a prescription from a doctor or engaged in self-prescription to obtain this quantity, they could be charged with prescription fraud. This offense is known as a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be prosecuted as either a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor conviction carries a maximum jail sentence of one year, while a felony conviction can result in up to three years in prison.

One common charge in fentanyl-related cases involving a death is known as Watson Murder. This charge is similar to second-degree murder and is prosecuted in a similar manner as DUI-related car accidents. If convicted, the accused could face a sentence of 15 years to life. Additionally, Watson Murder is considered a strike under California’s Three Strike Law.

It’s important to recognize that drug-related crimes, such as those discussed above, carry significant consequences that can impact both your professional and personal life. At Inland Empire Criminal Defense, our Ontario-based attorneys have successfully represented numerous individuals facing similar charges throughout the Inland Empire region. If you or someone you know has been accused of a crime, contact Inland Empire Criminal Defense today at 909-939-7126. Our office is located in Ontario, and we are committed to providing comprehensive legal assistance.