Drug Trafficking Schedules and Penalties, According to the NRS

Nevada's Revised Statutes on drug trafficking are very particular about what constitutes a drug trafficking charge. To wit, it involves producing, selling, and delivering illicit substances, with full knowledge of the consequences of such acts. One can be charged for drug trafficking even if there are no drugs on their person, as long as such drugs can be found in their possession through a search. Take note, however, that the amount of drugs need to be within prohibited schedules and amounts to count as trafficking; otherwise, it can be downgraded to simply selling drugs.

The NRS has five schedules for prohibited substances. These schedules are listed below.

Schedule I

• Heroin
• Methamphetamine
• PCP
• Ecstasy
• LSD
• GHB
• Mescaline
• Peyote

Schedule II

• Cocaine
• Opium
• Morphine
• Oxycodone
• Methadone
• Methylphenidate or Ritalin
• Codeine
• Hydrocodone

Schedule III

• Anabolic steroids
• Ketamine
• Testosterone

Schedule IV

• Xanax
• Benzodiazepines
• Valium
• Ambien
• Sedatives
• Tranquilizers

Schedule V

• Substances containing very small amounts of other drugs, like prescription medication

Penalties for drug trafficking in Nevada can be severe, especially for Schedule I substances. These include prison time ranging from one year, to lifetime incarceration without parole, and between $50,000 and $500,000 in fines.