Police acting on a tip served a search warrant at an Edmond home, leading to the arrest of a 24-year-old man on drug distribution charges.
When police arrived at the home on Rockypoint Drive, near the intersection of N Santa Fe Avenue and W Edmond Road, they allegedly found more than fourpounds of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, guns and ammunition, and more than $24,000 in cash. In addition to the pistol, rifle, cash, and paraphernaliawere "marijuana-based products that are sold in states where the drug had been legalized."
Police arrested Rylan James Acord, 24, on complaints of possession of marijuana with intent to distribute, possession of drug paraphernalia, and possessionof drug proceeds. They anticipate the arrest of two more adults who live in the home.
In Oklahoma, drug laws are tough and the penalties harsh. Of the above-listed charges, only one is a misdemeanor: possession of drug paraphernalia.
Possession of drug paraphernalia (63 O.S. � 2-101)is punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in jail. The fine associated with possession of paraphernalia depends upon whether it is a first convictionor subsequent conviction:
While possession of marijuana for personal use is a misdemeanor on the first offense, possession with intent to distribute is always a felony. In somestates, "intent to distribute" is determined by quantity; however, in Oklahoma, intent to distribute can be determined by anything that leads an investigatorto believe that the drug may not be simply for personal use: quantity, scales, cash, packaging materials, and more. For large quantities--for example,25 pounds or more of marijuana, 20 grams of meth, or 5 grams of crack cocaine--a person will be charged with drug trafficking under Oklahoma's Traffickingin Illegal Drugs Act.
Possession with intent to distribute marijuana is punishable by a mandatory minimum of two years in prison--even for a first offense. The maximum penaltyis life in prison.
Oklahoma law in 63 O.S. � 2-503 allows the state to seizeany assets used in the drug trade or bought with proceeds from drug sales. This includes, but is not limited to, cash, homes, vehicles, weapons, andproperty.
