DRUG SUPPLY OFFENCES IN NSW
The annual Christmas and New Year festive season which is fast approaching often sees a large number of drug supply offences in Sydney, due to the demand for illicit substances that arises from the festive season and a strong police presence during this period.
Nevertheless, investigations and patrols of drug supply offences occur all throughout the year. On 12 November 2024, strike force detectives searched a home in Canley Vale and arrested two men. During the search, police located 220kgs of cannabis head with a street value of over $2 million and $240,000 in cash.
The men were charged with a number of offences relating to the supply and cultivation of large commercial quantity of a prohibited drug and knowingly direct and participate in a criminal group. Both men were refused bail.
If you or someone you know is charged with a drug supply offence, it is important to contact us immediately, so that our expert criminal defence lawyers can work from the outset to ensure the best possible outcome for your drug supply offence.
AUSTRALIAN CRIMINAL INTELLIGENCE COMMISSION REPORT
The Australian Criminal Intelligence Commission’s (ACIC) Wastewater Report, released earlier this year, found that methylamphetamine, cocaine and nicotine use in Australia are at record highs, although cannabis remains the most popular illicit substance. The report relied on wastewater samples from 56 sites across Australia between December 2023 and February 2024 to record the presence of 12 different illicit substances.
Law enforcement often rely on ACIC’s reports to identify emerging trends and possible criminal networks concerning drug supply offences.
Shane Neilson, head of ACIC’s High Risk and Emerging Drugs, stated that the report reflected a time period many Australians were on a holiday break, and that “the report shows there’s record high cocaine consumption in both capital cities and regional areas of Australia, record meth consumption in capital cities, and record nicotine consumption in regional areas.”
DRUG SUPPLY OFFENCES LEGISLATION
Section 25 of The Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) makes it an offence to supply, or knowingly take part in the supply of a prohibited drug. Section 27 of the same legislation makes it an offence to aid, abet, counsel, procure, solicit or incite the commission of a drug supply offence under this Act and makes the offender liable to the same punishment, pecuniary penalties and forfeiture as if the person had committed the firstmentioned offence.
WHAT IS A PROHIBITED DRUG?
Schedule 1 of the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW) states the drugs that are considered prohibited. The list includes, but is not limited to, amphetamine, cannabis, cocaine, heroin and MDMA. Under Section 40 of this same legislation, a substance which is not a prohibited drug will be deemed to be a prohibited drug, for the purpose of drug supply, if it is represented (whether verbally, in writing or by conduct) as being a prohibited drug.
PUNISHMENTS IF CONVICTED OF A DRUG SUPPLY OFFENCE
The punishments resulting from a conviction of a drug supply offence can be very severe and range in accordance with the seriousness of the drug supply offence and the convicted person’s drug supply history.
Under the Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act 1985 (NSW), a person who, on 3 or more separate occasions during any period of 30 consecutive days, supplies a prohibited drug (other than cannabis) for financial or material reward, can face up to 20 years imprisonment. A person may face life imprisonment if guilty of a drug supply offence concerning a large commercial quantity.
For more about potential sentences and punishments click here.
OUR PROVEN RESULTS IN DRUG SUPPLY CASES
We have a strong and proven record on securing not guilty verdicts for our clients who have been charged with drug supply offences. Where our clients have pled guilty, we have successfully argued for the best possible outcome.
CONTACT US NOW FOR A FREE CONSULTATION
Our specialised Criminal Defence Lawyers are a results-driven, client focused team that provides only the highest possible standard of experienced representation. Our record of exceptional results and regular appearances in high-profile cases involving drug supply offences makes us the best team to assist in your case.
If you have been charged with a drug supply offence, call Criminal Lawyers Group anytime on 02 8815 8177 for expert advice from a senior criminal lawyer. We will provide an initial free consultation and work out a plan of attack in your case to give you the best chance of obtaining the best possible outcome.
