Operating a drug lab in Pennsylvania is a serious offense with severe legal consequences that go far beyond those for simple drug possession. The state’s stringent laws aim to deter the production and distribution of controlled substances.
Drug labs are also dangerous because they typically handle hazardous chemicals. Those convicted of operating a lab should also expect to pay for the cleanup of their facilities as an added punishment.
Legal definition of drug lab operations
According to Pennsylvania law, the operation of a drug lab is charged under the statute for manufacture, delivery or possession with intent to manufacture or deliver. The offense is usually a felony, and the specific law targets the drugs as well as the chemicals and equipment used to make them.
The penalties for drug lab operation
The penalties for operating a drug lab are stringent. Convictions can result in long prison sentences, hefty fines, and a permanent mark on one’s criminal record. Sentencing varies depending on the type and quantity of drugs produced and whether there are prior offenses.
- The controlled substance manufactured is a Schedule I or II narcotic drug: A conviction for this felony offense leads to up to 15 years of imprisonment and $250,000 in fines. Alternatively, a court can impose an even larger fine sufficient enough to exhaust the offender’s illegal assets and profits.
- The controlled substance is either phencyclidine or methamphetamine or their salts or isomers: A conviction for this felony offense leads to up to 10 years of imprisonment and $100,000 in fines. Alternatively, a court can impose an even larger fine sufficient enough to exhaust the offender’s illegal assets and profits.
- Any other controlled substance classified under Schedules I, II or III: This felony offense leads to up to five years of prison and $15,000 in fines on conviction.
- The substance is a Schedule IV substance: This felony offense leads to up to three years of prison and $10,000 in fines on conviction.
- The substance is a Schedule V substance: Unlike the others, this is a misdemeanor offense. However, it still leads to up to a year of imprisonment and $5,000 in fines.
Apart from criminal charges, offenders may also face civil penalties for running a drug lab. This includes the costs of cleanup and decontamination of the property used for the lab. This might not sound like much compared to a criminal sentence, but the cost of remediation can easily reach tens of thousands of dollars.
There are heavy criminal and civil repercussions for operating a drug lab. If you face similar charges, consider consulting a legal professional for advice.
