Drug Offences

Controlled drugs in the UK are classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 into three categories — Class A (including heroin, cocaine and MDMA), Class B (including cannabis, amphetamines and ketamine) and Class C (including some prescription drugs and anabolic steroids). The classification of the drug significantly affects both the charge and the potential sentence. Drug offences include simple possession, possession with intent to supply, supply, production, importation and exportation.

• Possession of a controlled drug (Class A, B or C)
• Possession with intent to supply
• Supply of a controlled drug
• Production or cultivation of a controlled drug
• Importation and exportation of controlled drugs
• Permitting premises to be used for drug offences
• Conspiracy to supply controlled drugs

There are a range of potential defences available in drug cases, depending on the specific charge and circumstances. For possession charges, it may be possible to argue that you did not know the substance was a controlled drug, or that you were in lawful possession for a specific purpose. For supply charges, the prosecution must prove that you were in possession of the drug with intent to supply it to another person — mere possession is not enough. Our solicitors will carefully review all the evidence and advise you on the strongest defence available.

• Lack of knowledge that the substance was a controlled drug
• Challenging the sufficiency of prosecution evidence
• Challenging stop and search or other police procedures
• Personal use rather than intent to supply
• Duress — being compelled to act under threats of violence
• Entrapment by law enforcement

County lines drug supply operations — where urban drug networks use young or vulnerable people to transport and sell drugs in smaller towns and rural areas — are a particular focus of police and prosecutorial activity. If you or a family member have been involved in a county lines operation, it is essential to obtain expert legal advice as quickly as possible. There may be a defence available under the Modern Slavery Act 2015 where a person has been exploited or coerced into criminal activity.