In Missouri, “trafficking” is defined by quantity, not by how big the operation was. Possessing more than three milligrams of fentanyl, or more than 30 grams of meth, can be charged as drug trafficking, a felony far more serious than simple possession.
This guide covers first and second degree drug trafficking under RSMo 579.065 and 579.068, as amended effective August 28, 2026: the weight thresholds, the felony classes, the locations that raise the charge, and how trafficking cases are defended.
Two degrees
What is the difference between first and second degree trafficking in Missouri?
What the person is alleged to have done with the drugs.
First degree: distributing
Knowingly distributing, delivering, manufacturing, or producing, or attempting to, more than the threshold amount. A class B felony, or a class A felony at higher amounts or in certain locations. RSMo 579.065.
Second degree: possessing
Knowingly possessing, controlling, purchasing, or bringing into Missouri more than the threshold amount. A class C felony, or a class B or A felony at higher amounts. RSMo 579.068.
Second degree trafficking does not require any proof of sale. It is a possession offense defined by weight, which is why someone who considers themselves a user can still face a trafficking charge.
The thresholds
How much is drug trafficking in Missouri?
The base thresholds for both degrees, by drug.
- Fentanyl: more than 3 milligrams of a mixture containing fentanyl or an analogue. The class goes up at 14 milligrams. Any amount of carfentanil qualifies.
- Methamphetamine or amphetamine: more than 30 grams of a mixture. The class goes up at 90 grams, and second degree becomes a class A felony at 450 grams.
- Cocaine: more than 150 grams. The class goes up at 450 grams.
- Heroin: more than 30 grams. The class goes up at 90 grams.
- Marijuana: more than 30 kilograms. The class goes up at 100 kilograms, or more than 500 plants for second degree.
- MDMA: more than 30 grams. The class goes up at 90 grams.
These weights include the whole mixture, not just the pure drug. Three milligrams of a fentanyl mixture is a tiny amount, which is why fentanyl trafficking charges now appear in cases involving only a few pills.
Location
What makes a Missouri trafficking charge a class A felony?
Higher weights, and for some drugs, where the offense happened.
First degree trafficking is a class A felony, 10 to 30 years or life, at the higher thresholds above. It is also a class A felony for distributing more than 30 grams of meth or MDMA:
- Within 2,000 feet of a school, college, university, or school bus
- In public or government-assisted housing
- Within a motor vehicle
- In a hotel, motel, or other lodging for paying guests
The motor vehicle provision means a meth case that would otherwise be a class B felony can become a class A felony because the alleged delivery happened in a car.
How the classes work: Missouri felony classes and sentencing.
Defenses
How do you defend a drug trafficking charge in Missouri?
Weight, possession, the search, and the lab.
- The weight. The charge depends on proven weight over a threshold. How the substance was weighed, whether packaging was included, and whether separate amounts were properly combined all matter.
- The lab. The State must prove the substance contains the drug alleged. Fentanyl cases depend on laboratory analysis, and field tests are not enough.
- Possession and knowledge. In shared cars and homes, the State must prove the person knew about and controlled the drugs.
- The search. Traffic stops extended for a dog sniff, consent searches, and warrants can all be challenged.
- Distribution versus possession. First degree requires proof of delivery or an attempt to deliver. Without it, the case may be second degree or simple possession.
Trafficking cases can also be adopted by federal prosecutors, where mandatory minimums apply.
See drug possession charges and federal drug conspiracy and mandatory minimums. If someone overdosed, see distribution resulting in death. Children in the home? See child endangerment.
FAQ
Missouri drug trafficking questions
How much fentanyl is trafficking in Missouri?
More than three milligrams of a mixture containing fentanyl. At 14 milligrams or more, the offense moves up a class: first degree becomes a class A felony and second degree a class B felony.
How much meth is trafficking in Missouri?
More than 30 grams of a mixture. Distributing more than 30 grams in a motor vehicle, near a school, or in certain housing or lodging is a class A felony.
Is second degree trafficking a possession charge?
Yes. Second degree trafficking covers possessing, controlling, purchasing, or bringing into Missouri more than the threshold amount, with no proof of sale required.
What is the sentence for first degree trafficking in Missouri?
A class B felony, 5 to 15 years, or a class A felony, 10 to 30 years or life, at higher amounts or in certain locations. Prior drug felonies can raise the range further.
Does the weight include packaging?
The statute counts the mixture or substance containing the drug, not the packaging. How the lab separated and weighed the substance is often worth examining.
See our drug crime defense page, or call 573-638-8529. Charged in a specific county? Jefferson City and Cole County, Columbia and Boone County, or Fulton and Callaway County.
Talk to us
A few grams can change everything.
If you are facing a trafficking charge in Missouri, call before your first court date and before you talk to anyone about the case.
Attorney advertising. The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. This article is general information about Missouri drug law as of October 2026, not legal advice, and it does not create an attorney-client relationship. The outcome of any case depends on its facts.
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