Concealing Drugs in a “False Compartment”

Health & Safety Code § 11366.8(a) makes it a crime to possess, use, or control a false compartment with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle, or transport a controlled substance within the false compartment.

Health & Safety Code § 11366.8(b) makes it a crime to design, construct, build, alter, or fabricate a false compartment for  a vehicle with the intent to store, conceal, smuggle, or transport a controlled substance.

“False compartment” means any box, container, space, or enclosure that is intended for use or designed for use to conceal, hide, or otherwise prevent discovery of any controlled substance within or attached to a vehicle, including, but not limited to, any of the following:

(1)  False, altered, or modified fuel tanks.

(2)  Original factory equipment of a vehicle that is modified, altered, or changed.

(3)  Compartment, space, or box that is added to, or fabricated, made, or created from, existing compartments, spaces, or boxes within a vehicle.

A conviction for under Health & Safety Code § 11366.8(a) may be punished as a misdemeanor or as a felony.

A misdemeanor is punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

A felony is punishable by imprisonment in state prison for up to three years and a fine of up to $10,000. 

A violation of Health & Safety Code § 11366.8(b) is punishable for up to three years in state prison.

• You were unaware of the false compartment
• You did not store a controlled substance in the false compartment