In Queensland, it is a crime to produce a dangerous drug.  "Production" refers to all acts involved in producing a dangerous drug, including cultivation, packaging, manufacturing and preparing. The legal definition is very broad, and also covers offering to do an act of production and doing or offering to do a preparatory act.

 

It is also an offence to possess or public instructions for producing a dangerous drug.

 

What are dangerous drugs?

 

Queensland drug law categorises drugs as Schedule 1 or 2.  A Schedule 1 drug is the most serious categorisation.  Examples of Schedule 1 drugs include Cocaine, Heroin, Amphetamine, MDMA/Ecstacy and Steroids.

 

Schedule 2 drugs include cannabis and LSD.

 

What are the defences to this charge?

 

There are a number of legal defences to a charge of producing dangerous drugs.  These include:

 

• that the drug in question was not a "dangerous drug";

• mistaken identity;

• duress - that the accused person was not acting of their own free will;

• necessity; and

• that the evidence is insufficient to prove that a production of dangerous drugs occurred, or was about to occur.

 

What is my likely penalty for this offence?

 

Sentences for production of a dangerous drug vary greatly and can range from drug diversion up to and including imprisonment.

 

The maximum penalty for production of a Schedule 1 drug is 25 years imprisonment.

 

Some of the factors that affect the sentencing range include:-

 

• whether the production was for commercial gain or personal use;

• the quantity and quality of the drug that was produced;

• the sophistication of the drug laboratory and the size of the production; and

• the length of the time over which the accused person produced the dangerous drug.

 

If you or someone you know is charged with producing a dangerous drug, you should contact a Queensland Drug Lawyer today for expert advice.

 

Do I need a lawyer?

 

A conviction for an offence of producing dangerous drugs can have serious consequences and may impact upon your employment, travel and your ability to obtain finance.

 

Our lawyers have defended many people charged with producing dangerous drugs.  We can assist you by:

 

• Advising on your prospects of contesting a charge;

• Guiding you through the court process;

• Negotiating with the prosecution;

• Suggesting ways to reduce penalty and the impact on your future;

• Reducing some of your stress by answering the difficult questions; and

• Appearing for you in court.

 

Contact one of our Queensland Drug Lawyers today to get some initial advice about your matter. We will make a stand for you.