Fake drugs: Let punishment fit the crime

Re: “Man sentenced for trying to sell candy as meth,” (TNT, 6/1).

I absolutely believe that people convicted of selling hard drugs illegally should be imprisoned and offered treatment for their own drug addictions, if they need it.

But the case of Robert Turner selling rock candy as methamphetamine is a head scratcher. Why five years in prison for such a relatively minor offense?

If Turner were selling meth as rock candy, I would understand, but five years for passing off candy as a drug? I don’t get it. Maybe the explanation lies in the plea bargain process. If so, I would like to hear it.

This story was originally published June 6, 2017 at 5:35 PM with the headline "Fake drugs: Let punishment fit the crime."