America’s streets have seen a continuous escalation of drug use and the drugs available, including an opioid elephant tranquilizer known as carfentanil. New drugs like this elephant sedative tend to be more potent and extremely dangerous. Opioids and heroin killed more than half a million individuals between 2000 and 2014. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recorded a record number of opioid and heroin overdoses in 2014 with 28,000 dead. Fentanyl, an extremely strong drug, was the newest opioid being used on the street. However, authorities are reporting carfentanil is 100 times stronger and contributing to additional overdoses. Because of the seriousness of the situation, law enforcement is cracking down on all drugs on the streets and prosecutors are going for the harshest charges they can get.
If you were arrested and charged with a drug crime, contact the Cincinnati criminal defense attorney Bradley J. Groene at (513) 338-1890.
Overdoses in Ohio
Carfentanil is a synthetic opioid used for commercial purposes. It’s generally known as an elephant or large-animal tranquilizer, which may give people a better understanding of how strong the drug really is. It is 10,000 times stronger than morphine.
Authorities have seen carfentanil in various states in the U.S., but Ohio has witnessed far too many deaths because of this opioid. Hamilton County released a public warning regarding the drug after 25 overdoses within 3 days of each other in Akron and 10 overdoses within 9 hours in Columbus. Four overdoses were fatal in Akron and two were fatal in Columbus.
An Ohio Carfentanil Arrest
In July, Ohio authorities arrested a man suspected of selling carfentanil while saying it was heroin. He has been charged with 20 criminal courts, including murder for 10 deaths associated with the drug, the Associated Press reported. Law enforcement is concerned that they cannot find the source of the drug yet. Until they do, it is possible that more people will get a hold of it to sell or use.
Ohio Offense of Sale of a Controlled Substance
Individuals found selling or possessing for sale a controlled substance face tough penalties. Selling even a small amount of a controlled substance is a major felony that can result in more than a year in jail and a significant fine. They might also be charged with a federal drug crime, which means they can be sentenced to harsh minimum sentences.
An Ohio Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help
If you are facing an Ohio drug charge, do not hesitate to seek legal advice. You might be facing harsh charges because prosecutors want to appear tough on crime and drugs. However, a skilled attorney like Bradley J. Groene may be able to negotiate reduced charges or a minimum penalty upon conviction. He can also defend you and attempt to prove your innocence at trial.
Call us at (513) 338-1890 to learn about your options.