Opinion ID: 629121
Heading Depth: 4
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Choice of Table

Text: 28 Once the quantity of methamphetamine is established the district court must follow the Drug Quantity Table of guideline Sec. 2D1.1 in determining the defendant's base offense level. The table makes reference to two categories of methamphetamine: methamphetamine and methamphetamine (actual). Methamphetamine refers to the total end result of the chemical reaction which yields a mixture of methamphetamine and various impurities. Methamphetamine (actual) refers to the part of the end product that is pure methamphetamine. See U.S.S.G. Sec. 2D1.1, comment. (backg'd). On cross-appeal the government argues that the district court misinterpreted the concept of methamphetamine (actual) and therefore used the wrong table in calculating Bloomer's base offense level. We agree. 29 It appears that the district court mistakenly thought that because both chemists testified that the procedures they were explaining would lead to a reaction that contained only a certain percentage of pure methamphetamine, the numbers that they were discussing referred to the amount of the mixed end product. It wrote: 30 Neither ratio produces pure or actual methamphetamine; the 10 to 1 ratio produces methamphetamine that is only 80 to 90% pure at best. Therefore, the court finds that the possible methamphetamine to be produced would not be actual methamphetamine. 31 Although at times the chemists' testimony is somewhat confusing, we find that the record indicates that in making their calculations, the chemists were referring to only the pure methamphetamine and not the total weight of the methamphetamine and the impurities. For example, on cross-examination Bloomer's expert testified that using the aluminum amalgam method a 3-to-1 ratio would yield 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine hydrochloride. He then noted that the methamphetamine would contain 10 or so percent of other material. The following questioning then took place: 32 Q. But that 10 or so percent will not be 10 percent of that 1.3 kilograms. It will be 10 percent on top of that, won't it? The 1.3 kilograms of methamphetamine is the pure methamphetamine hydrochloride that is made, isn't that correct? 33 A. That is correct. 34 Q. And if there was other byproducts in it, it would be additional weight to the 1.3 kilograms. Is that correct? 35 A. Correct. 36 The testimony of the government's chemist, Fasanello, further demonstrates the district court's error. On redirect examination at the sentencing hearing he testified as follows: 37 Q. Secondly, your opinion with regard to 3 or 4--the production worst case scenario, 3 or 4 pounds of methamphetamine. Is that 3 or 4 pounds of pure methamphetamine? 38 A. Yes. 39 Q. Yes, that is? 40 A. Yes. 41 Q. Okay. Now, so that is not like 90 percent pure methamphetamine or 70 percent pure-- 42 A. Whatever the decrease in the percentage would have a commensurate increase in the weight. 43 Q. So that if it was 70 percent pure, there would be more of the final product, there would be 4 or 5 pounds or something like that. Is that your testimony? 44 A. Yes. 45 Accordingly, at resentencing the district court should use the methamphetamine (actual) tables in calculating the quantity of methamphetamine produced, unless the court relies on new calculations that it assures itself refer to the entire end result of the reaction.