Section 2C:40-17 - Tampering, degree of offense; sentencing requirementsa. Except as provided in subsection b. of this section, a person who knowingly tampers with a cosmetic, drug or food product is guilty of a crime of the third degree, except that nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude a charge for a greater crime under any other provision of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes.b. A health care professional or his agent who is authorized to prescribe, dispense or administer medication who knowingly tampers with medicine prescribed for a person is guilty of a crime of the second degree, except that nothing herein shall be deemed to preclude a charge for a greater crime under any other provision of Title 2C of the New Jersey Statutes.c. Notwithstanding the provisions of paragraph (2) of subsection a. of N.J.S. 2C:43-6, any sentence imposed upon a health care professional or his agent pursuant to subsection b. of this section shall include a term of imprisonment. The court may not suspend or make any other noncustodial disposition of a person sentenced pursuant to the provisions of this subsection.Amended by L. 2007, c. 69,s. 2, eff. 4/30/2007.