For many people, one of the most sinister things that you could do to a drug addict is to sell drugs outside of a rehabilitation center. Sadly, many drug dealers know this is more or less the perfect place to pick up clientele. What better way to find someone who would like to buy some drugs than someone who is presently in the process of rehabilitation?
Thankfully, it looks like changes could be afoot to help stop this behavior. Broad support is being provided towards an Ohio state law passed by Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost. This new rule would increase the penalties for drug trafficking near rehabilitation facilities.
This bill would look to provide extra penalties for those who are caught working in a 1000ft radius of a rehab or addiction services clinic. At the moment, extensive penalties are offered for those who are found selling drugs near a school.
This new rule, though, could not be better timed. Problems with drug users being hit with drug dealers just outside of their rehab clinic is a growing problem. Speaking about this problem was AG Yost, who said: “Drug dealers around treatment centers are like flies on honey. They know they have a proven customer base,
“This law will help protect those seeking recovery when they are their most vulnerable.”
This could be an exceptional move for anyone who is worried about the rising number of dealers being found near rehab clinics. Given the obvious intent to rock the boat for those who are trying to simply improve their lives, it makes sense that a harsher punishment would be handed out. This brutal, harshly planned and deeply criminal act is something that has been an enemy of rehabilitation for many years.
The aim of this law – known as Senate Bill 55 – is to help include even more penalties for those caught in aggravated trafficking. Therefore, those caught near a facility that offers rehab or addiction treatment care would have to see their crime increased by a degree. So, whatever the person was caught with would be amplified by an extra degree if they are caught within the 1000ft radius of the clinic.
This would help to combat the growing problem of those looking for treatment for opioid treatment in particular to feel safe about being able to go for treatment without temptation.
Citation
https://www.cincinnati.com/story/news/2019/03/20/targeted-drugs-include-heroin-fentanyl/3223765002/