The state of Louisiana has a drug tax law

A special drug tax is required in Louisiana for sales of steroids. This rule exists in this state for the past 20 years. So, Todd Matherne, a steroid dealer was enforced to pay 52 million dollars because he sold many steroids with the labels of the “Zencall Labs”. This steroid dealer 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 jail, he found about this law. As a result, this person filed a lawsuit against the State of Louisiana, claiming that it was incorrect to enforce him to pay 52 million of dollars. This person claimed that it had been an unusual and even too cruel decision. This person confirmed that his rights were violated.
The Louisiana Department of Revenue didn’t fight against Todd Matherne in the court. It was decided to reach agreement in this case. So, the tax was lowered 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, an expert in drug prosecution for the Louisiana District Attorney Association, said that several laws in various other states were ruled unconstitutionally. He claimed 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.
John Williams mentioned that this law couldn’t work well because it might exclude criminal prosecution. He pointed out that this law was not being used because a criminal case could be lost in exchange just for taxes.
There is also another reason which can explain why law enforcements don’t intend to impose the drug tax law in Louisiana. Law enforcements do not support this law because the taxes don’t go to law enforcement; they go to state agencies.
According to drug tax law, the tax of 200 dollars is indicated per 1 g of anabolic steroids, if they are distributed by weight. If these products are sold by dose units, it is indicated to pay 400 dollars for 10 dose units.
As for Todd Matherne, he was a steroid dealer of the large underground lab called “Zencall Labs”. The Louisiana State Police busted “Zencall labs” in 2005. Over 10, 000 tablets and 300 capsules of Stanozolol, about 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 officers. Moreover, more than 700 vials of injectable anabolic steroids and certain pounds of raw steroid powder were also seized.