The drug tax law in Louisiana

A drug tax has to be paid in the state of Louisiana for distribution of steroids. This rule exists in this state for the past 20 years. So, Todd Matherne, a distributor of steroids was enforced to pay 52 million dollars because he distributed many steroids with the labels of the “Zencall Labs”. This individual received a 7-year imprisonment but he served 3 years of them.
In fact, Todd Matherne didn’t know the Louisiana’s drug stamp law. But when he was released from the prison, he found about this law. As a result, this steroid dealer filed a lawsuit against the State of Louisiana, noticing that it was incorrect to enforce him to pay 52 million of dollars. This steroid dealer claimed that it had been an unusual and even too cruel punishment. This man pointed out that his rights were violated.
The Louisiana Department of Revenue didn’t fight against this person in the court. It was decided to achieve agreement in this case. Thus, the tax was decreased essentially. According to the new settlement, this steroid dealer had to pay just 2, 000 dollars instead of 52 million dollars. Nonetheless, this drug tax law has remained in Louisiana but its constitutionality is still discussed.
John Williams, a specialist in drug prosecution for the Louisiana District Attorney Association, noticed that certain laws in different other states were ruled unconstitutionally. He confirmed that it was the same with the drug tax law in Louisiana. But since some laws try to criminal twice the same crime, they can be lifted.
This specialist mentioned that this law couldn’t work well because it might exclude criminal prosecution. This expert for drug prosecution from Louisiana noticed that the drug tax law was not being used because a criminal case could be lost in exchange only for taxes.
There is also another reason which may explain why law enforcements do not intend to impose the drug tax law in Louisiana. Law enforcements don’t support this law because the taxes don’t go to law enforcement; they go to state agencies.
According to drug tax law in Louisiana, the tax of 200 dollars is indicated per 1 g of anabolic steroids, if they are sold by weight. If these medications are distributed by dose units, it is indicated to pay 400 dollars for 10 dosage units.
As for Todd Matherne, he was a steroid dealer of the large underground lab called “Zencall Labs”. The Louisiana State Police busted this lab in 2005. More than 10, 000 tablets and 300 capsules of Stanozolol, over 6, 000 tablets of Anadrol, 3,500 tablets and 1, 900 capsules of Cialis, 1, 5000 capsules of Tamoxifen, 2, 400 capsules of Clomid, 800 capsules of Anabol and 600 capsules of Dianabol were seized by the officials. Moreover, over 700 vials of injectable anabolic steroids and several pounds of raw steroid powder were also found there.