05 Sep Maryland police considering drug charges after seizure

On behalf of Jack B. Rubin, PA posted in Drug Charges on Thursday, September 5, 2013.

It is not often that you hear directly from police after a reported large scale drug bust that they are unsure if the material they seized is illegal. However, in a recent report, that is just what Maryland police are trying to figure out, as they contemplate whether drug charges can be brought for the large amount of material they seized that is reported to be for synthetic marijuana. However, as officials attempt to sort those details out, the man arrested must face misdemeanor weapons and drugs charges that were issued as part of the raid on his home.

Police searched a home in an upscale neighborhood where they claim to have found the material that is used to construct “spice”, a form of synthetic marijuana. Officials claim that spice is much more dangerous then marijuana due to the wide range of chemicals that are used in it. When smoked, officials claim that it gives the user hallucinations and can stem a heart attack or brain damage.

Police seized enough material from the residence to result in approximately $2 million in profit if sold on the streets according to one law enforcement agent. However, at this time, it is unclear exactly what charges they may bring as a result of the seizure beyond the misdemeanor charges that have already been issued. It is also unclear when the 27-year-old man is set to be arraigned and whether he has remained in custody or has been released after being processed on the charges.

Synthetic marijuana is a relatively new drug for Maryland law enforcement to deal with. Given its freshness on the scene, there will likely be numerous legal battles in the future regarding what laws, possession of the materials to make the drug, violate. As a result, for any drug charges issued, a close analysis of the evidence and the applicable law, may provide a compelling argument as to why the charges are unwarranted and a dismissal may be required.

Source: CBS Baltimore, Police Arrest Forest Hill Man In Multi-Million Dollar Drug Operation, Meghan McCorkell, Aug. 23, 2013