As we discussed in our previous PA drug possession and drug charge legal articles, heroin is a major problem in Lackawanna and Luzerne counties, including Scranton, because these counties serve as a hub for drug activity. It’s close to highways connecting other states such as New York and New Jersey.
Last Thursday (February 6, 2016), Lackawanna County detectives charged six individuals with drug charges after a drug bust that found dozens of bags of heroin and crack.
One of the individuals, Matthew Hoffman, was under investigation as a heroin supplier, and detectives learned that he recently returned from New Jersey with a fresh supply of heroin. Hoffman did not deliver the heroin himself. Rather, he used “runners” to deliver drugs.
Detectives arranged a controlled purchase, and one of Hoffman’s runners, who is also facing charges, delivered 30 bags of heroin. The runner was arrested when he arrived at the delivery location.
After obtaining information from the runner on Hoffman’s whereabouts, detectives observed a house and followed a car that left the house. In the car were 2 of the individuals who are now facing heroin drug charges in Scranton. Police found 50 bags of heroin, 7 grams of crack and a small amount of marijuana in the car.
Police returned to the house, found 2 other individuals and took them into custody. Hoffman was in the house and tried to run.
Related: Federal Drug Charges in Philadelphia – Possession of a Controlled Substance
Federal and Pennsylvania Schedule I Drugs
The Controlled Substance Act (CSA) is the federal law pertaining to drug policy. The act regulates the manufacturing, importation, possession, use and distribution of certain substances. CSA lists five “schedules” of drugs. The most dangerous substances are in Schedule I, and the least dangerous substances are in Schedule V. The five classifications are used in federal drug cases to determine prison time, fines and other penalties.
Section 812 (b)(1) of the CSA defines Schedule I drugs as the following:
(A) The drug or other substance has a high potential for abuse.
(B) The drug or other substance has no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
(C) There is a lack of accepted safety for use of the drug or other substance under medical supervision.
Like the CSA, Pennsylvania drug law also categorizes all controlled substances into schedules and highly dangerous drugs with the potential for abuse are in Schedule I, and the less dangerous in Schedule V.
Heroin and crack cocaine are Schedule I drugs under the CSA and Pennsylvania law.
Heroin Drug Charges
It is less likely that these men will face federal drug charges because federal authorities are more likely to pursue large scale operations. However, these men still face serious PA drug charges. It is a felony in Pennsylvania to make heroin, distribute it or possess it with intent to distribute it, and it is punishable by as many as 15 years in prison.
About David Nenner, a Philadelphia and Scranton Drug Charge lawyer
David Nenner is a highly experienced Philadelphia criminal defense lawyer who has handled many federal drug cases, including drug cases in Scranton. If you or a loved one was arrested for a federal drug related charge in Scranton or other parts of PA, such as Philadelphia, please call Mr. Nenner offers FREE consultations. (215) 564-0644
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Source: www.poconorecord.com (Six face charges in Scranton drug bust)
