Wednesday, May 22, 2019

News release - Joint Statement from Idaho State Police and Ada County Prosecutor regarding enforcement of Idaho's Uniform Controlled Substances laws

For Immediate Release, May 22, 2019
Contacts:
Idaho State Police, PIO Tim Marsano, 208.884.7122
Ada County Prosecutor, PIO Bethany Calley, 208.287.7700

Joint Statement from Idaho State Police and Ada County Prosecutor regarding enforcement of Idaho's Uniform Controlled Substances laws
By Ada County Prosecutor Jan Bennetts and Idaho State Police Director Colonel Kedrick Wills

The Idaho State Police, Ada County Prosecutor's Office and our law enforcement partners work diligently each day to handle each case in an ethical and appropriate manner. We will always listen to the concerns of citizens and those interested in the outcome of cases.

Those who signed the petition that has recently circulated and citizens interested in the outcome of those recently publicized cases can be assured that we are listening and have heard your concerns.

The Ada County Prosecutor's Office is prohibited from negotiating the resolution of cases through the media, or with others who do not legally represent the parties. The case investigated and submitted to our office, by the Boise Police Department, following the arrests of two defendants occurred over a year ago and prior to the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. These two defendants are out of custody, represented by counsel and pending sentencing on reduced charges. The case investigated by the Idaho State Police in January 2019 is pending and our ability to comment is limited. The defendant is out of custody and represented by counsel.

The 2018 Farm Bill's intent of allowing the interstate transportation of hemp will only be realized once there is a regulatory system in place. As of this date, that system has not been developed in any state - including Idaho - and is therefore not currently in effect. As a consequence, hemp is not legal in Idaho.

We understand the desire to provide a legal pathway for an alternative crop for Idaho's farmers and for those who transport it across state lines. We are currently conducting research and working to develop a solution. We continue to be committed, as we have been, to establishing a legal framework to provide a solution to this issue going forward. Those of us who enforce Idaho's laws are bound by the laws which currently exist, not those which may exist at some future date.

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