Two Drug Busts Uncover 420 Pounds of Methamphetamine in Metro Atlanta

According to reports, there were two major methamphetamine busts over the weekend in Metro Atlanta. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration reported that nearly $1.7 million worth of methamphetamine was seized in Dekalb County and Fulton County.

In total, 420 pounds of methamphetamine were discovered. Both seizures were part of a large scale investigation by the DEA.

Methamphetamine is one of the most addictive drugs in the world. Methamphetamine is a powerful and potent stimulant. It stimulates the central nervous system. Methamphetamine has been classified by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration as a Schedule II stimulant, which makes it legally available only through a nonrefillable prescription.

In Georgia, we have the Georgia Controlled Substances Act which classifies different types of drugs. Methamphetamine is part of the Schedule II drug/controlled substances in Georgia, which also include cocaine, morphine, opium, and methadone.

As a Georgia Criminal Defense Lawyer, I will outline the offense most likely faced by the eight individuals in today's post.

Trafficking Methamphetamine in Georgia

Trafficking Methamphetamine in Georgia is defined in O.C.G.A. §16-13-31 as:

When a person sells, delivers, or brings into this state, or who is in possession of 28 grams or more of methamphetamine or amphetamine.

The most interesting part about the criminal offense of trafficking methamphetamine is the way that is penalized if convicted.

The penalty if convicted of trafficking methamphetamine is dependent upon the amount of methamphetamine trafficked.

If there is 28 grams of methamphetamine or more involved, but less than 200 grams, the penalty will be a mandatory prison term of at least ten years and a fine of $200,000.00. If there is an amount of methamphetamine between 200 grams and 400 grams will receive the consequence of a mandatory prison sentence of at least fifteen years and a fine of $350,000.00. For any amount of methamphetamine above 400 grams, the penalty is a mandatory prison term of at least twenty-five years with a fine of $1 million. No matter how much methamphetamine was seized, the crime for trafficking methamphetamine will be a felony conviction. 

Practice Note

Drug offenses in Georgia are taken very seriously. There are many different types of drug crimes in the state of Georgia. The punishment for a drug offense conviction can range from a misdemeanor punishment to twenty years in prison.

This is why if you or a loved one has been arrested, it is important to contact our offices today. A Georgia Criminal Defense Attorney can help you with your case. We are familiar with Georgia Criminal Law including drug offenses, and we know the impact a conviction can have on someone's future. Contact us now.