Created by FindLaw's team of legal writers and editors | Last reviewed June 20, 2016
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Maybe not everyone thinks of the Land of Enchantment when they think of cocaine, but New Mexico’s border with Mexico means state law enforcement authorities are particularly focused on drug trafficking of all kinds. And just in case Breaking Bad and other depictions of drug dealing have convinced you that crime might pay, New Mexico authorities crack down heavily on cocaine possession and sale. Therefore, it’s not a bad idea to be aware of what exactly will get you into trouble, and what the possible penalties may be. This is a basic overview of cocaine laws in New Mexico.
Cocaine is a Schedule I narcotic, and as such the possession, sale, and trafficking of cocaine is illegal in every state. The specifics of cocaine laws may vary, however, generally in terms of the severity of legal punishment. For example, selling cocaine is a felony crime in New Mexico, and could mean up to 18 years in prison and a $15,000 fine.
New Mexico's cocaine laws are highlighted below.
Code Section |
New Mexico Statutes 30-31-1, et seq.: Controlled Substances |
Possession |
New Mexico Statutes 30-31-23: Possession Prohibited 4th degree felony |
Sale |
|
Trafficking |
New Mexico Statutes 30-31-20: Trafficking 2nd degree felony; Subsequent offense: 1st degree felony; Within drug-free school zone: 1st degree felony |
It’s not just New Mexico’s cocaine laws that you need to worry about. Cocaine is also an illegal controlled substance under federal narcotics laws, which prohibit everything from simple cocaine possession all the way up to manufacturing and cultivation and trafficking and distribution. Federal drug penalties for the possession or sale of cocaine across state lines can be severe. In response to the high rate of drug crimes and incarceration, some states have created specialized “drug courts” which can offer drug treatment and counseling alternatives to long prison sentences. The Judicial Branch is in charge of Problem Solving Courts in New Mexico.
Drug convictions and addiction are serious issues, and state drug laws are subject to change. For additional articles and resources on this topic you can visit FindLaw's section on Drug Charges. If you would like legal assistance with a drug matter, you can consult with a New Mexico drug crime attorney. And if you or someone you know may have a drug or substance abuse problem, New Mexico’s Office of Substance Abuse Prevention has resources that can help.
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