Supplying a dangerous drug is a serious criminal offence in Queensland and the penalties can range from imprisons to fines.

The meaning of ‘supplying’ is broadly defined and can include ‘giving, distributing, selling, administering, and transporting’.

The police are required to show beyond a reasonable doubt that you have supplied, offered to supply, or undertook and preparatory act to supply a dangerous drug to convict you of the offence.

There are many defences to this charge, including that the drug is not a dangerous drug, there is a mistake of fact, you were under duress and not acting by your own free will and necessity.

Dangerous drugs are known as Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 drugs set out under the Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987. The Schedule 1 drugs include and are not limited to:

• Amphetamine

• Cocaine

• Heroin

• Lysergide

• Methylamphetamine

• MDMA

• Ecstasy

• Specific steroid type drugs
  

Schedule 2 drugs consist of over a hundred less serious types of drugs, including but not limited to:

• Cannabis

• Codeine

• Methadone

• Opium

• Morphine

• Psilocybin

• Oxycodone

A dangerous drug also includes those with a chemical structure or compound that is substantially similar to the chemical structure or compound of a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 drug.

Generally, the District Court will hear a charge of supplying a dangerous drug and the maximum penalty depends upon various factors including the type of drug, quantity of drug, and the circumstances surrounding the supply.

Supplying a Schedule 1 drug to a minor under 16 years can attract up to life imprisonment, whereas other supply charges can attract fines.

If you need more advice, you should contact one of our lawyers without delay.