Minnesota on pace for a record amount of meth seized by the DEA: A Minnesota criminal defense attorney explains
The DEA recently reported that they are on pace to seize a record amount of methamphetamine. Last year the DEA seized over 2,000 pounds in the state of Minnesota. But if the DEA keeps up their current rate, they are expecting to exceed that number by the end of 2025. Meth has proliferated in Minnesota in recent years. Acting Special Agent in Charge, Rafael Mattei, explained that ten years ago, they celebrated finding just one pound of meth. But the volumes have increased tremendously. On April 16th alone, the DEA seized 30 pounds of meth. Minnesota is experiencing an influx of meth.
What does this mean if you are a defendant facing controlled substance charges for meth possession or sales?
In Minnesota, meth falls under the category of “controlled substance” crimes that can span from 5th degree at the lowest and 1st degree at the highest. There are also certain aggravating factors such as the presence of firearms or the quantity being over certain thresholds that create heightened criminal penalties. The higher volumes of meth make it easier for the state to meet the thresholds of weight to increase punishment on defendants. It is more important than ever to obtain a good criminal defense attorney if you are facing these charges. If the weight of the meth is a big number, a skilled criminal defense attorney can explore the best way to defend you. If the weight is low, a savvy criminal defense attorney can leverage the recent high volume drug busts to contrast it with your low level offense in negotiating a better sentence. Either way, a skilled criminal defense attorney is better able to read the tea leaves of what’s going on in Minnesota’s criminal justice system, and advocate for the best result.
Conclusion
If you are facing controlled substance charges for meth possession, reach out to Subzero Criminal Defense for a free consultation. There are over 6,000 lawyers in the state of Minnesota. But not every lawyer will be skilled at defending a criminal drug charge. Peter Lindstrom, Esq. was trained at the nation’s best seminar on defending drug crimes. He has strategies and knowledge about litigating drug crimes issues that other lawyers do not have. Contact Subzero Criminal Defense for a free consultation. 651-248-5142