Make Payment
Call Today
(952) 913-1421
Call Today
(952) 913-1421

Synthetic drug sales continue despite classification as drug crime in Minnesota

Actions surrounding the purchase and use of synthetic drugs in Minnesota are considered drug crimes. Despite the illegal classification of synthetic drugs in the state, the purchase of synthetic drugs continues through black market websites. The dramatic rise in online drug dealing has made it tougher for law enforcement to enforce applicable drug crime laws to synthetic drugs.

Over the last two years, there has been a dramatic increase in the number of sources that supply synthetic drugs. Synthetic drugs are sold under names like bath salts, herbal incense, research chemicals and plant food, but the drugs are varying chemically derived versions of marijuana, ecstasy and hallucinogens. The rise in sources for synthetic drugs is due to the rise of illicit drug dealing completed online.

Today there are around 86 online drug dealing websites but two years ago there were only 22 sites. The web traffic to online drug dealing sites has also increased. According to a web research firm, the number of unique visitors to such sites rose from just over 122,000 in June 2009 to over 400,000 in June 2011.

Two months ago, the state of Minnesota began to enforce drug crime laws related to synthetic drugs. Despite the recent enforcement of the laws, the growth of synthetic drug dealing online has increased. The number of online sites that sell synthetic drugs and the nature of the online transactions have contributed to the difficulty in law enforcement. In addition, when certain chemicals are banned by federal and state authorities, producers use other chemicals that create similar effects.

Source: Star Tribune, “Synthetic drug sales booming on Web,” Larry Oakes, Sept. 11, 2011

Max Keller image
Attorney Max Keller
Max Keller

Max Keller has won countless jury trial cases involving misdemeanors and felonies, sex crimes, and DWI’s. He is a member of the Minnesota Society for Criminal Justice, which only allows the top 50 criminal defense attorneys in the state as members. Max is a frequent speaker at CLE’s and is often asked for advice by other defense attorneys across Minnesota.

Experience: Practicing since 1997
Minnesota Registration Status: Active
Bar & Court Admissions: State of Minnesota Minnesota State Court Minnesota Federal Court 8th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals State of Maryland

What to Do If You Have Been Charged with a Criminal Offense

Person using smartphone with blurred police lights background. charged with a drug crime based on text messages

Can You Be Charged With a Drug Crime Based on Text Messages Alone?

You can be charged with a drug crime based on text messages alone in Minnesota, especially when the messages show intent to purchase, sell, distribute, or traffic drugs. Prosecutors often use text messages to demonstrate intent to commit a drug crime, show a history of drug activity, link you to a specific phone, and corroborate physical evidence. Text messages often strengthen the probable cause required for the police to arrest and charge you. They are, however, not sufficient for a conviction without compelling supporting physical evidence.
Handcuffed man in beanie looking distressed during interrogation. police lie to you during an interrogation

Can the Police Lie to You During an Interrogation in Minnesota?

Criminal defendants who interact with police officers for the first time are often left wondering, “Can the police lie to you during an interrogation?” Police officers can lie to you during an interrogation. In fact, deception is a lawful and fully permitted police technique provided the officers do not use it to force a confession. Police often claim possession of non-existent evidence or witnesses to trick you into disclosing information that can aid their investigation.