Over the weekend, patrol officers stopped a vehicle near Newhope St. & Hazard Ave. occupied by three known probationers, according to the SAPD.
Inside the vehicle, the police officers located a large quantity of narcotics, leading to a probation search at the driver’s residence.
The search resulted in the seizure of:
- 23 lbs. of M30 fentanyl pills
- 2,016 grams of marijuana edibles
- Multiple bottles of promethazine hydrochloride & codeine
- $1,100 in cash
- Packing materials
Based on current California law and recent updates under Proposition 36, the suspects in the Santa Ana drug bust could face multiple serious penalties, depending on the charges filed and their criminal history. Here’s a breakdown:
1. Possession of Fentanyl (23 lbs of M30 pills)
- Fentanyl is a Schedule II controlled substance, considered highly dangerous.
- Possession of fentanyl for sale or trafficking is a felony.
- Under Prop 36, possessing 1 ounce or more of fentanyl triggers enhanced sentencing:
- Minimum 3 years added to the base sentence for 1 ounce.
- Up to 25 years for larger quantities.
- If armed during possession, an additional 5-year enhancement applies.
2. Marijuana Edibles (2,016 grams)
- Legal possession limit in California is 28.5 grams of flower or 8 grams of concentrate.
- Possession of more than legal limits is a misdemeanor, punishable by:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $500 in fines
3. Promethazine Hydrochloride & Codeine
- These are prescription-only Schedule V substances.
- Possession without a valid prescription is a misdemeanor:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
4. Drug Paraphernalia (Packing Materials)
- Possession of paraphernalia used for drug distribution can be charged as a misdemeanor:
- Up to 6 months in jail
- Up to $1,000 in fines
5. Aggravating Factors
If any of the following apply, penalties may be more severe:
- Prior convictions for drug offenses
- Involvement of minors
- Proximity to schools or playgrounds
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Possession while armed
These can elevate charges to felonies, with sentences ranging from 3 to 25 years, and in extreme cases, life imprisonment if three prior felonies exist.