Florida Criminal Attorney Blog
Two Citrus County men were arrested Tuesday after Citrus County Sheriff’s deputies claim they purchased items consistent with the manufacture of methamphetamine.
Deputies arrested the men after allegedly witnessing them purchase lye, Ephedrine, fertilizer and camping fuel, which are the components known to be used in what is called one-pot meth manufacturing.
The men were stopped by a deputy on patrol after allegedly running a red light.
A K-9 deputy was called to sniff the vehicle. Police apparently uncovered camping fuel, lye, fertilizer and a pill bottle with baggies inside that tested positive for cocaine residue.
Both men were allegedly read their rights, but agreed to speak to law enforcement.
According to police, both men apparently admitted that they had not manufactured any methamphetamine, but intended to. Police claim one of the men told them he had recently lost his job and could not pay his electric bill, so the meth cook was a last-ditch effort to make some money.
After searching one of the men’s home, law enforcement officers allegedly uncovered chemicals and other paraphernalia including two syringes, a spoon and devices used to smoke spice, several marijuana seeds and trace amounts of marijuana.
Both men were arrested and transported to the Citrus County jail.
One of the men was charged with intent to manufacture meth, petit theft, possession of less than 20 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia and listed chemicals intended to manufacture a controlled substance.
The other man was charged with intent to manufacture meth and possession of drug paraphernalia and listed chemicals intended to manufacture a controlled substance.
Both of their bonds were set at $151,250.
Methamphetamine, also called meth, speed or ice has become increasingly popular due to the fact that it is relatively easy to manufacture at homes or backyard meth labs using chemicals that are readily available and perfectly legal to buy. Since the chemicals and components to manufacture this drug are affordable and easy to come by, police have increased their efforts to arrest those suspected of possessing, distributing or manufacturing meth.
Methamphetamine charges carry severe consequences. Possessing 14 or more grams of methamphetamines, or the chemicals used to make meth is classified as felony trafficking in Florida. The penalties associated with a conviction can range from a minimum mandatory sentence of 3 years in prison and a $50,000 fine to 15 years behind bars and a $250,000 fine. There are numerous other factors that could increase the consequences related to a methamphetamine case, including the proximity to school property or other locations, the presence of firearms, past criminal convictions, and whether you face state or federal charges.
Because shutting down meth manufacturing operations has been the focus of law enforcement officers throughout the state of Florida in recent years, police may try and perform illegal searches in order to prosecute these crimes. The Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can protect your rights and make sure that law enforcement officials followed the strict state and federal laws for collecting evidence in a meth raid. Drug crimes are incredibly complex in the state of Florida, so it is absolutely vital to have a criminal defense lawyer in your corner. At Whittel & Melton, we can guide you through this difficult experience and work with prosecutors to possibly have the charges against you reduced.
If you or a loved one has been arrested or charged with manufacturing meth or any other illegal drug in Citrus County or throughout the state of Florida, contact the Florida Drug Crimes Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton online or call 352-726-0078. You can reach us statewide and toll-free at 1-866-608-5LAW (5529).