How Pharmaceutical Drugs Can Lead to Criminal Charges in Calgary

When most people in Calgary think of "drugs," they think of substances that are flat-out illegal to use and possess, the the possible exemption of certain researchers and research facilities. Cocaine, methamphetamines, heroin and other opiates, and of course marijuana, now approved for medical use with questionable legality, and causing controversy right here in Calgary, these are the drugs people think of in regard to the criminal justice system.

While it is true that all of these drugs and other drugs used solely for recreational purposes are controlled substances and can carry criminal penalties for their illegal possession, there are other drugs that are becoming far more commonly seen as a center of drug-related offences in Calgary. Pharmaceutical or prescription drugs are in high demand and have substantial street value, leading to increased offences for drug trafficking, theft and fraud used to obtain large quantities of prescription drugs for resale, simple drug possession as well.

Everyone in Calgary should know that they can be charged with a drug-related crime for misusing their prescription drugs, using false pretences to gain access to prescription drugs, or driving while intoxicated even by a legally obtained pharmaceutical.

Almost Any Calgary Prescription Can be Criminally Misused

Technically, it is against the law to transfer any medication or drug that you have been prescribed to any other person. Of course, prescription drugs that have a psychoactive effect are among the most commonly abused; opiate-based painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Percocet are frequently stolen, obtained via fraud, or otherwise stockpiled for later sale. Drugs that are believed to enhance sexual experiences, such as Viagra and Cialis  are among the most frequently abused and illegally sold.

No matter what drug it is, though, if it's a controlled substance and you do not have a legitimate and up-to-date prescription for that drug, you could potentially be charged with a crime simply for possessing it. Transferring a prescription drug to another party, whether or not money is exchanged and regardless of how you obtained the pharmaceuticals, could result in a more serious charge of drug trafficking.

Avoiding criminal charges related to prescription drugs is relatively easy, though there is always the potential to be mistakenly caught up in a law enforcement investigation. Make sure any pharmaceuticals you have been prescribed are securely stored where others don't have access, and properly dispose of any unused portions of your medications, especially if they are of a type that is commonly abused. If you notice any of your prescriptions missing, notify your doctor and consider notifying the Calgary Police. 

Your Defence Against Calgary Prescription Drug Criminal Charges

It is possible for anyone in Calgary to be charged with a crime related to prescription drugs, even if they have legally obtained and used all prescriptions. If you or a family member has been charged with a drug-related offence involving pharmaceuticals, no matter what the circumstances of your case, you are entitled to professional legal counsel. Contact Susan Karpa today for a free initial consultation, and get the help you deserve.