Drug-free zones were established in Missouri and around the country in an effort to minimize the risk to children from being exposed to drug-related activities. If someone is convicted of drug charges in a drug-free zone, that person is likely to face more serious consequences for the same activity than if it had occurred elsewhere. A recent operation in Monroe County has resulted in the arrest of four men on a variety of charges.

Several agencies, including the Missouri State Highway Patrol and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Department, conducted a drug bust only 600 feet from a school. Police officers allegedly found the four men in a detached building on the property of one of the men. Among the items discovered were purportedly 16 pounds of marijuana, four grams of THC, two glass smoking devices and $30,000 in cash.

Per reports, the Division of Family Services removed a minor child from the home. Two of the men claimed that they had licenses to grow and use marijuana for medicinal purposes. However, according to authorities, neither man could provide proof of a license.

All of the men were charged with possession of a controlled substance and unlawful possession of drug paraphernalia, according to police reports. Some were charged with distribution of a controlled substance in a protected area and endangering the welfare of a child. Other charges included unlawful use of a weapon and maintaining a public nuisance.

When someone is facing drug charges of any type, it is important to contact a Missouri criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible. An experienced attorney can review all the details of a specific situation and work with a client to determine the best course of action. A strong defense team’s goal is to minimize the negative impact to a client’s life.

Source: moberlymonitor.com, “16 pounds of marijuana found in drug bust 600 feet from Madison school“, April 7, 2017