Trafficking dangerous drugs is a term used to also supply drugs and means that the person is in the business of supplying dangerous goods for commercial gain. These types of charges are generally laid more so against persons in cartel groups or motorcycle groups or other gang-related groups but is not always the case.

Trafficking in dangerous drugs is very serious and under the Drugs Misuse Act, it carries heavy penalties, including life imprisonment.

The police must show beyond a reasonable doubt that the drug is a Schedule 1 or Schedule 2 drug as set out under the Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987 and that the accused ‘carried on business’ of supplying a dangerous drug.

There are many defences available including that the accused was not ‘carrying on a business’ of supplying drugs, there is a mistake of identity, the accused was acting under duress and not free will and necessary.

RHC Solicitors are experienced criminal lawyers when it comes to trafficking charges and you should contact us urgently so that we can give you the right advice and possible avenues forward.

The maximum penalties for trafficking a dangerous drug a serious. If found to be trafficking a Schedule 1 drug (such as amphetamine, cocaine, heroin, MDMA, ecstasy, steroid type drugs and so on) there is a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment. For a Schedule 2 drug, (such as cannabis, Codeine, Methadone, Opium, LSD, Morphine, Diazepam and so on), the maximum penalty is 20 years imprisonment.

Of course, there are many different factors that can impact or influence the sentencing such as the type and quantity of the drug, the street value, the value of the enterprise, the period of time a person was trafficking, a person's personal circumstances, the level of involvement in the enterprise and so on.

If you have been served with charges relating to drug trafficking, the State of Queensland can commence a proceeding under the Criminal Proceeds Confiscations Act 2002 and seize or deal with your property and assets.

Where you are served with these types of documents, you need to urgently speak to a lawyer.