ARS 13-3452: Substances of Uncertain Origin
The complete text of A.R.S. § 13-3452 on substances of uncertain origin, and how this section is used in Arizona criminal cases. It defines terms and procedure rather than creating an offense.
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Full Text of A.R.S. § 13-3452
A.R.S. § 13-3452 is the Arizona statute on substances of uncertain origin. It sets out procedure and rules rather than defining an offense, so no offense class or sentence attaches to this section on its own.
A. If a dosage unit is in the form of a powder or liquid or if the appearance of a dosage unit is not otherwise reasonably sufficient to establish that a substance is an imitation controlled substance, imitation prescription-only drug or imitation over-the-counter drug, the representations made in connection with the substance or drug shall be considered in addition to all other logically relevant factors in determining whether the substance or drug is an imitation controlled substance, imitation prescription-only drug or imitation over-the-counter drug.
B. For the purposes of this section, representations made in connection with any substance or drug whose status is uncertain include:
1. Statements made by an owner or by anyone else in control of the substance or drug concerning the nature of the substance or drug, or its use or effect.
2. Statements made to the recipient of the substance or drug that the substance or drug may be resold for inordinate profit.
3. Whether the substance or drug is packaged in a manner normally used for imitation controlled substances, imitation prescription-only drugs or imitation over-the-counter drugs.
4. Evasive tactics or actions utilized by the owner or person in control of the substance or drug to avoid detection by law enforcement agencies.
Source: Arizona Revised Statutes § 13-3452, Arizona Legislative Council revision of 09/19/25. Read the official text on azleg.gov. Statutes change; verify the current version before relying on it.
Related Statutes in Chapter 34.1 — Imitation Substance Or Drug Offenses
- A.R.S. § 13-3453 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation controlled substance
- A.R.S. § 13-3454 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation prescription-only drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3455 — Manufacture or distribution of imitation over-the-counter drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3456 — Possession or possession with intent to use imitation controlled substance
- A.R.S. § 13-3457 — Possession or possession with intent to use an imitation prescription-only drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3458 — Possession or possession with intent to use an imitation over-the-counter drug
- A.R.S. § 13-3459 — Manufacture of certain substances and drugs by certain means
How § 13-3452 Affects an Arizona Case
§ 13-3452 usually matters because of how it interacts with the charge someone is actually facing. We read it alongside the charging statute, because a definition or a procedural rule frequently decides what the State must prove, what a judge may impose, or what relief is available afterward.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is A.R.S. § 13-3452?
A.R.S. § 13-3452 is the Arizona statute on substances of uncertain origin. It sets out rules that apply across Arizona criminal cases rather than defining a single offense.
Where can I read the official text of § 13-3452?
The Arizona Legislature publishes it at azleg.gov, in the revision dated 09/19/25. The complete text is reproduced on this page, and every Arizona criminal statute is searchable on our Arizona Criminal Code index.
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