Despite the harmful effects on health, finances, and relationships, there is still a high demand for drugs. This demand has motivated specific individuals to become involved in the seemingly lucrative business of producing and supplying drugs.
If you are caught by law enforcement, there are severe sanctions for this offence. Contact a Drug Lawyer from Brisbane to assist you if you have been charged with producing and supplying drugs.
In a Recent Case
Detectives in Carseldine Criminal Investigation Branch closed down on 29 people charged with over 180 offences. Among these were 12 charges of trafficking. This was after the closure of Operation Tango Balboa, which was a drug trafficking syndicate in South-East Queensland.
Police devote a lot of time and resources to crack down on drug operations because of the ripple effects on society. This article will discuss drug-related offences in more detail below.
Drug-Related Offences
Here are several ways you could commit a drug-related offence in Queensland. The following will shed more light in this regard.
Possessing Illegal Drugs
Possession must not be confused with ownership. You can be charged with possessing drugs even if you are not the owner. In Queensland all that is required is for the police to demonstrate that you had knowledge and control of the drugs.
Supplying Illegal Drugs
This includes the following:
- Handing out, distributing, selling, administering, moving, or supplying.
- Offering to do the above activities.
- Undertaking or offering to undertake any of the activities mentioned above.
- For instance, merely giving your friend an ecstasy pill is sufficient to be considered supplying a schedule 1 drug.
The penalties are harsher if you’re an adult and supply to the following people and scenarios.
- A person 16 years or below.
- An intellectually weak person.
- In an education facility or school.
- In a correctional services facility.
- To someone unaware that they are being supplied with drugs.
Your lawyer would advise you of any aggravating or mitigating factors pertinent to your case.
Trafficking Illegal Drugs
Trafficking means supplying drugs in situations consistent with business or commerce. This can include large quantities of drugs and can be on many occasions of supply or just a single transaction.
Producing Illegal Drugs
This encompasses cultivating, preparing, manufacturing, packaging, or producing drugs and offering to do any of these activities.
Possessing Items
This consists of the following items:
Items used to consume drugs (for example, a bong, pipe or syringes).
Items used to make drugs (such as specialised scales, lighting or farming equipment).
Items previously that have been used for a drug offence or are to be used for a drug offence (for instance, a bowl, scissors or a grinder).
Getting legal advice will benefit you and your case if you’re caught committing drug-related offences.
What To Do if You Have Been Charged With a Drug-Related Offence
After you are charged, you should request a Queensland Police form 9 (QP9). This is a written summary of the police’s version of events.
This form can be acquired from the police prosecutor on your initial court appearance (your lawyer may assist you in this regard). If you cannot collect it at court, you must apply to police prosecutions to be supplied with a copy. This needs to be a written request. You r lawyer can assist you with this and can make the request prior to your first court date.
Conclusion
Facing any kind of legal battle is mentally and emotionally draining, particularly if you’re unfamiliar with the ins and outs of law and court processes. If you have been charged with a drug-related offence, a Drug Lawyer from Brisbane can advise you of your rights and formulate a plan in light of the unique factors surrounding your case.