Possession of Methamphetamine Ingredients with Intent to Manufacture
Certain drugs, such as methamphetamine, are referred to as “homemade” or “manufactured” drugs. Not only is it illegal to possess methamphetamine in California, but it is also illegal to possess ingredients with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine. California Health and Safety Code Section 11383 (a) provides, in part, as follows:
Any person who possesses both methylamine and phenyl-2-propanone (phenylacetone) at the same time with the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, or who possesses both ethylamine and phenyl-2-propanone (phenylacetone) at the same time with the intent to manufacture N-ethylamphetamine, is guilty of a felony and shall be punished by imprisonment in the state prison for two, four, or six years.
In the state of California, you may be charged with “intent to manufacture” even where you are not in possession of a finished quantity of the drug methamphetamine. Depending on what the chemical agent you are found to be in possession of is, you may be charged with a crime for possessing large quantities of an otherwise legal drug, that when mixed with other agents, would become an illegal drug.
In addition to restricting access to chemicals like pseudoephedrine, California has criminalized its possession with intent to manufacture methamphetamine or any of its analogs. Cal. Health & Safety 11383(c)(1). The courts have also allowed prosecution when a defendant possessed chemicals essential to making the precursor chemicals.
Drug laws and penalties can be confusing, especially in the case where, as with methamphetamine, an individual may be convicted for merely possessing precursor ingredients. If you have been charged with methamphetamine possession or the intent to manufacture methamphetamine, the Los Angeles methamphetamine possession defense attorneys at the Law Offices of Lawrence Wolf can explain the elements of the alleged crime, apprise you of your rights and fight to protect your freedom. Lawrence Wolf has over 40 years of experience keeping those charged with drug crimes out of jail and instead into drug treatment programs. Call (310) 277-1707 now for a free consultation.
