As we approach festival season, many people will be excited for the opportunity to let their hair down and enjoy their favourite bands and artists. However, what seems like innocent fun can land you in serious legal trouble. Read on to find out the main offences associated with drugs and the potential implications of being caught with banned substances at a festival.
What are the main offences associated with drugs?
There are four main offences associated with illegal drugs: possession, supply, production and importation.
Possession means being caught with drugs, even if they do not belong to the person caught. The police have the power to stop, detain and search people on ‘reasonable suspicion’ that they are in possession of a controlled drug. The penalty for possession depends on the class and quantity of the drug, and where the person and the drugs were found.
Possession with intent to supply is a more serious offence that may be proved by:
● direct evidence, for example by witness testimony or surveillance
● possessing a quantity of drugs inconsistent with personal use
● possessing uncut drugs
● possessing a variety of drugs
● evidence the drug has been prepared for sale, for example it has been cut into small portions separately wrapped
● drug related equipment being found in the care/control of the suspect, for example weighing scales, cutting agents, bags or wraps
● Supply includes dealing or sharing drugs – even if just with friends. It does not require proof of payment or reward. The penalty for supplying drugs depends on the amount of drugs found.
Production is committed when a suspect has some identifiable participation in the process of producing an illegal drug, by making it, growing it or any other method.
Importation means the illegal importation or exportation of a controlled drug.
What are the legal implications if I’m caught with drugs at a festival?
Similarly to if you are caught with drugs in other public places, you can expect severe consequences if you’re caught with controlled substances at a festival. If you are prosecuted for a drug offence, you will get a criminal record. This can have long lasting consequences, such as affecting your chance of entry to other countries. You may also have to share this information with potential employers which could affect your future job prospects. Depending on the terms of your contract, you may have to tell your current employer as well.
Furthermore, if you are the one to buy drugs for your friends, technically you are classed as being a supplier or drug dealer. If prosecuted, you could risk paying a substantial fine or even going to prison.
If you stand accused of
drug related offences, you need to act now and you need to make the right choice. Experienced criminal lawyers at Lefevre Litigation have extensive experience in the handling of cases involving drugs, with robust and in depth knowledge of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the legal proceedings which this piece of legislation calls for. Simply put, we provide excellent advice and legal representation in drug related cases.
Contact Lefevre Litigation immediately to book an appointment with one of our criminal defence lawyers and discuss the best way to proceed.
