Michigan residents face meth charges after search inside a Paw Paw home

Two local Michigan residents have been detained on a number of drug charges after investigators purportedly uncovered a methamphetamine (meth) laboratory, meth production materials and marijuana inside a Paw Paw home.

Local narcotics detectives executed a search warrant of the home. According to MLive.com, authorities discovered an active meth laboratory, a couple of old meth laboratories, materials utilized for meth production, HCL gas generators, digital scales, marijuana, morphine and paraphernalia for smoking both meth and marijuana.

A 29-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were ultimately arrested for drug charges. Specifically, the male suspect was charged with the operation of a meth laboratory, possession of meth, possession with intent to distribute or deliver marijuana, delivery of marijuana and maintaining a drug home. The woman, on the other hand, is charged with the operation of a meth laboratory, possession of morphine and possession of meth.

Methamphetamine

Marijuana has been on the scene for some time; however, in the past two decades, the possession and use of methamphetamine has become a prevalent issue – especially in Southwest Michigan. While the drug is imported at times, it is frequently obtained from local drug laboratories, which are set up in a hotel room, vehicle or person’s own residence.

Now, trained state and federal law enforcement will stop at nothing to crack down on this growing crime. Meth-related offenses are generally charged on the felony level. This means legal assistance is helpful – and almost imperative – as soon as officers suspect a person of illegal conduct.

When meth is uncovered from a home or vehicle, it is important to look at the specific context of the case. This can help in assessing one’s liability. For example, a criminal defense attorney may look into the following issues:

• Did the suspect/defendant know that meth was on the property or inside in the vehicle?
• Did another person potentially place the meth in the defendant’s possession when he or she was unaware?
• Did law enforcement violate Fourth Amendment rights in obtaining any evidence?
• Did investigators read the suspect his or her Miranda rights?

These issues can be crucial in a case involving drug evidence. Sometimes, suspects are caught up with the wrong people, but they are not, in fact, responsible for a particular crime.

If you have been slapped with drug charges, it may help to have a legal professional break down the case. Every defendant – guilty or not – has rights. When authorities usurp such rights, this is where the prosecution’s case could be jeopardized.