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Federal Agents Seize Enough Fentanyl to Kill Millions

Posted On: August 29th, 2018   |   Posted by: Luftman, Heck & Associates LLP
Fentanyl Chemical Information on a Computer Screen

Federal agents recently arrested four men who were in possession of a large amount of fentanyl in Columbus. Tomas Sandoval, Alvaro Gasca-Cardoso, Salatiel Ramos-Rajos and Alexis Zazueta-Soto were arrested with enough of the drug possession to kill almost half of Ohio’s population. They face charges of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute fentanyl, along with several other drugs. Possession with intent to distribute can be classified as a third, second, or first-degree felony in Ohio. How your offense is classified depends on the amount of the drug in question.

Criminal charges and their subsequent penalties are decided based on several details. The fentanyl lawyers at Luftman, Heck & Associates can help guide you through all the steps of a criminal investigation related to drug possession and other related crimes. Our lawyers know how to analyze the facts of your case, and we can provide you with a strong, thorough case.

To schedule a free consultation of your case with a skilled drug lawyer at our firm, call (614) 500-3836, or reach out through the online form.

Columbus Men Discovered With a Deadly Amount of Fentanyl

To kill the average adult, you would need roughly two mg of fentanyl. This is the weight of about four grains of salt. Zazueta-Soto, Ramos-Rajos, Gasca-Cardoso, and Sandoval were arrested in possession of 10 kilograms of fentanyl, enough to kill almost five million people. Police raided the men’s residence with a search warrant. This operation also resulted in the seizure of one kilogram of methamphetamines, and 10 ounces of heroin.

The Severity of Your Sentence Depends on the Amount of Drugs in Your Possession

Drug possession in Ohio can be classified as a variety of crimes, and they range from minor misdemeanors to high-level felonies. The level of your specific charge is dependent on the amount of drugs you were caught with. For all controlled substances, the Ohio Revised Code (ORC) Section 2925.03 establishes a baseline amount to begin determining punishment. This statutory baseline is known as the bulk amount. The bulk amount varies from drug to drug.

For example, the bulk amount of five mg Adderall pills is 360 tablets. Possession of Adderall without a prescription begins at a fifth-degree felony. If the amount of Adderall you possess is between one and five times the bulk amount, however, your offense is raised to a third-degree felony.

Intent to Sell Can Add Time to Your Drug Sentence

In addition to possessing controlled substances, the ORC also makes the distribution of these drugs illegal. Selling, or offering to sell drugs, is prohibited. If you have reasonable cause to think that you are helping prepare a controlled substance for distribution, you may be liable for possession with intent to distribute. This can add significant time to your possible prison sentence, and it will likely increase your already hefty fines. Your punishment can also increase based on other factors, including:

  • Intending to distribute to minors
  • Possessing or intending to distribute a controlled substance too close to a school
  • Previous possession or distribution charges on your record

There’s no telling what can cause the class of your actions to be raised or lowered. It takes a keen eye and specific knowledge to follow the progression of a criminal drug case.

For questions about sentences for distribution or intent to distribute charges, contact our fentanyl lawyers for help today.

Contact a Lawyer for Help Today

It’s important to have an experienced drug lawyer on your side at every step of the legal process. The fentanyl lawyers of Luftman, Heck & Associates can answer any questions you have about drug charges in the Columbus area. When you’re facing a prison sentence and large fines, you’ll want to know that you’re in good hands. To schedule a free, initial evaluation of your case, contact us today at (614) 500-3836.



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