Penalties Increased for Some IL Drug Offenses

Illinois has increased the penalties for some drug offenses.

Gov. Pat Quinn signed three drug-related pieces of legislation Saturday. They take effect Jan. 1.

Manufacturing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of any school property will now be a Class X felony, punishable by a minimum of six years in prison. It was previously considered a Class 1 felony.

Another new law adds synthetic drugs known as 25-I, 25-C and 25-B to the list of controlled substances that are illegal to manufacture, deliver or possess with the intent to distribute. Quinn's office says the hallucinogenic drugs have been available online and linked to serious and fatal reactions.

Quinn also signed a bill that makes it illegal for anyone under 18 to buy or possess products containing the herbal stimulant Kratom.