Heroin on the rise in St. Louis

March 20, 2013

Heroin on the rise in St. Louis

Article provided by Featherston Law Firm
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When police conduct a drug crimes investigation, they are often focused on the individuals manufacturing and distribution of the drug. Often, these will be very time-consuming and expensive investigations. It can take a lot of arrests before police find anyone willing to talk about the source of the drugs.

In many situations, police only notice that a drug is becoming more popular in their community after these arrests. If more people are arrested in possession of the drug, the widespread availability could lead to more concerns about the potential dangers that may result due its abuse.

Recently, police throughout Missouri have noticed an increase in heroin use in the state. Missouri Highway Patrol officers say that heroin is now the second-highest drug seized in St. Louis-area drug crimes, right behind marijuana.

The drug is considered to be an inexpensive substitute for those hooked on more costly prescription medications, which were made more difficult to find due to an extensive crackdown by law enforcement.

Hospitals and treatment facilities are also seeing more individuals seeking treatment for heroin-related drug problems. The state is being asked to provide more funding for rehabilitation centers, as many are struggling to meet the rising demand for services.

Additionally, a new law has been proposed that would restrict law enforcement officers from charging some individuals with drug crimes. The "good Samaritan rule," as it is often called in other states, would provide immunity to those individuals who suffer from overdoses, as well as those that bring them to hospitals.

The law is intended to ease some of the fears that people have about potential legal problems that may arise if they seek medical treatment for drug overdoses. Under current laws, these individuals can face drug charges, although in many cases the police do not make an arrest if an overdose occurs. However, these situations may allow officers to uncover valuable information which can be useful later.

Law enforcement will be very aggressive when conducting drug crimes investigations. Convictions can mean serious consequences, including jail time or high fines, as well as other issues that can impact a person's life long after the matter has been resolved. Those facing charges need to be sure that police followed all procedures properly.

If you have been arrested on drug charges or any other crime, contact an experienced criminal defense attorney to discuss your rights. The police will try to discuss the case with you, and you may think that you are doing the right thing by answering their questions. Whatever you say to police at this time can be used against you, and you should not speak to them until your lawyer is present.