Florida has very strict rules when it comes to controlled substances. Merely possessing an illegal drug such as cocaine, ecstasy or heroin – even if you don’t intend to distribute it to others – may lead to felony charges.
However, the state can also come down hard on those who possess the reagents necessary to produce these controlled substances. It’s illegal to possess these so-called drug precursors in Florida, and the penalties can be worse than those for simple possession of drugs.
What are drug precursors?
Drug precursors are chemical compounds commonly used in the manufacture of controlled substances or illegal drugs.
The list of chemical compounds considered drug precursors in Florida includes, but isn’t limited to:
- Anthranilic acid
- Ephedrine
- Ergotamine tartrate
- Isosafrole
- Methylamine
- Norpseudoephedrine
- Phenylacetic acid
- Phenylpropanolamine
- Piperidine
- Pseudoephedrine
Florida law also prohibits possessing essential chemicals. Essential chemicals are substances commonly used as solvents or catalysts for manufacturing illegal controlled substances. These chemicals include acetone, ammonium salts, hydrochloric acid, lighter fluid and toluene.
The law on drug precursors
Under Florida law, it is unlawful for any person to possess, purchase, or otherwise acquire any drug precursor or essential chemical listed by the state with the knowledge that the chemical will be used to manufacture a controlled substance unlawfully.
Possessing or distributing a drug precursor is a felony of the second degree. If a court convicts a person for possessing listed chemicals, the person potentially faces up to 15 years in state prison and a $10,000 fine.
By comparison, simple possession of a controlled substance can start as low as a first-degree misdemeanor if the offender only had a small amount of the drug.
Listed chemicals such as drug precursors and essential chemicals may be legal if the person who owns them uses them for legitimate purposes, such as manufacturing pharmaceuticals. However, possessing them with the intent to create illegal controlled substances is a criminal offense.
If you are facing similar charges, it’s important to consider your situation carefully. You could face over a decade of prison time if you can’t make your case in court. A legal professional may be able to advise you and your rights if you can discuss your case with one.