The Oregon U.S. Attorney's Office says that 22 defendants arrested “are connected to a criminal organization responsible for trafficking methamphetamine, heroin, and cocaine in Oregon and Washington state are facing charges.” The U.S. Attorney's Offices says those connected were distributing the drugs to others to distribute throughout Oregon and Washington. The long-term, very large-scale investigation by the FBI concluded earlier this week when law enforcement arrested 17 people in connection with drug trafficking. The drugs ring was being supported by the drug cartel originating in Michoacan, Mexico.

Methamphetamine Deaths in Washington State

 In Washington, the year 2017 saw nearly eighteen deaths per 100,000 residents due to one of the following controlled substances:

• Opioids,
• Methamphetamine, or
• Cocaine.

Of those eighteen deaths, ten out of 100,000 were overdoses from opioid abuse and nearly seven out of 100,000 were from methamphetamines. Looking at numbers provided by the Washington State Health Department, methamphetamines seem to have the most drastic rise in death toll as compared to earlier totals. From 2003 to 2010, deaths from methamphetamines stayed below two per 100,000 residents. Beginning in 2011, the loss of human life from methamphetamine began to drastically climb. The numbers are as follows:

• 2011 – 153 deaths
• 2012 – 172 deaths
• 2013 – 237 deaths
• 2014 – 256 deaths
• 2015 – 344 deaths
• 2016 – 365 deaths
• 2017 – 476 deaths

The one demographic data that has remained consistent is the median age for methamphetamine fatal overdoses always stayed between 40 and 45. In King County alone, there was a 362.3% rise in deaths from methamphetamines between 2016-2017 as compared to 2003-2004. Of the seven deaths that occurred in the state per 100,000 residents, four and a half those methamphetamine deaths occurred in King County.

VUSCA Charges in King County

 A violation of the Uniform Controlled Substance Act (VUCSA) can be very severe. VUCSA charges in King County can happen if you commit any of the following crimes.

• Drug trafficking
• Drug possession
• Prescription drug fraud
• Drug crimes involving minors
• Marijuana charges

If you are charged with any criminal charge, but especially any VUCSA criminal charges, it is imperative that you understand your rights. An experienced King County defense attorney can protect you. Keep in mind, crimes involving less than 2 kg of methamphetamines can land you in jail for up to 10 years with a maximum fine of $25,000, possibly a combination of the two.

King County VUCSA Defense Attorney

If you or a loved one has been charged with a VUCSA crime in the Seattle area, you need strong legal representation. VUCSA defense lawyer Steve Karimi is a former prosecutor who now uses his knowledge and insight into both sides of the legal system to fight and protect the rights those accused. Mr. Karimi is a top-rated criminal defense attorney in the Seattle area and he is a compassionate and dedicated lawyer who will work with you to get the results you want. Contact the Law Offices of Steve Karimi today.