Drug Trafficking & Supply Charges Cairns
Drug trafficking in Queensland carries a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment. If you've been charged, or you know charges are coming, you need experienced legal representation immediately.
At Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers, we defend clients across Cairns and Far North Queensland against trafficking, supply, and related drug offences. We know how these charges are built, and we know how to challenge them.
Contact Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers today.
UNDERSTANDING THE CHARGES
Trafficking and supply charges are not the same offence, and the distinction matters significantly when it comes to penalties and your defence. Here’s what each charge actually means under the Drug Misuse Act 1986 (QLD):
Drug Trafficking
Trafficking usually involves more than a single transaction. It implies a commercial operation or ongoing dealing in dangerous drug, such as the carrying on of a business . The prosecution must establish a pattern of conduct, that is usually not just a one-off act. Schedule 1 drugs (heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine) carry a maximum of 25 years. Commercial trafficking attracts the most serious penalties.
Supplying Dangerous Drugs
A supply charge can arise from a single act, including offering to supply, or even giving drugs to a friend at no cost. You don’t need to sell anything to be charged with supply. This is one of the most commonly misunderstood drug charges in Queensland.
Possession with Intent to Supply
If police believe the quantity or circumstances of your possession indicates it wasn’t solely for personal use, you can be charged with possession with intent to supply / for a commercial purpose, even without evidence of an actual transaction. Factors like packaging, cash, scales, or phones can all be used to support this charge. See also: drug possession charges in Cairns.
What Are the Penalties?
Penalties vary depending on the specific charge, the drug schedule, the quantity involved, and your criminal history. At the serious end:
Charge | Maximum Penalty |
Trafficking (Schedule 1 drugs) | Up to life imprisonment |
Trafficking (Schedule 2 drugs) | Up to 20 years imprisonment |
Supply (Schedule 1 drugs) | Up to life imprisonment |
Commercial Trafficking | Highest penalties under QLD law |
- Schedule 1 drugs include heroin, cocaine, methylamphetamine, and MDMA.
- Schedule 2 includes cannabis, diazepam, and ketamine.
The schedule your charge falls under will directly affect the sentencing range you're exposed to.
How We Defend Trafficking & Supply Charges
Every case is different, but experienced defence begins before you enter a plea. From the moment you engage us, we examine:
What We Examine | Why It Matters |
Legality of the police search | Evidence obtained through an unlawful search may be excludable from the case entirely. |
How the charge was classified | Whether the conduct truly meets the legal threshold for trafficking versus a lesser charge. |
The intent element | In possession with intent to supply cases, intent must be proven. We scrutinise how that case has been constructed. |
Quantity and schedule disputes | The drug type and amount directly affect your sentencing exposure. |
Your personal circumstances | Plea in mitigation, character references, and background all matter at sentencing if it comes to that. |
We've successfully defended serious drug charges, including trafficking, and had charges dropped or thrown out entirely. Where a defence isn't viable, we fight for the best possible outcome at sentencing.
WHY MANSIA BOVEY
Local Lawyers. Serious Defence.
Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers have been defending drug charges across Cairns and Far North Queensland for over 30 years. We appear in all Queensland courts and offer fixed fees, so you know exactly where you stand. Available 24/7, because charges don't wait for business hours.
Facing Drug Trafficking Charges? Don't Wait.
The earlier you get legal advice, the more options you have. Contact Mansia Bovey & Company Lawyers for confidential advice, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 : What's the difference between trafficking and supply charges in Queensland?
Trafficking generally implies an ongoing commercial operation, while supply can arise from a single act. The distinction affects the charge level and penalties you face. A lawyer can assess which charge applies to your specific circumstances.
Q.2 : Can I be charged with supply if I gave drugs to a friend for free?
Yes. Under the Drug Misuse Act 1986, giving drugs to another person, even at no cost, can constitute supply. You don’t need to exchange money for a supply charge to apply.
Q.3 : What happens if police found drugs in a shared house or car?
Possession can be constructive, meaning you don’t have to physically hold the drugs to be charged. If police allege you knew about and had control over the drugs, you may face charges. The circumstances matter, and this is something we examine closely.
Q.4 : Should I speak to police before contacting a lawyer?
No. You are not obliged to participate in a police interview and anything you say can be used against you. Contact us first. We can advise you before any interview takes place.
Q.5 : How long do drug cases last?
Similar to the above, the severity of the drug offence and the type or quantity of the drug can dictate how long court proceedings will go on for. At Mansia Bovey and Company Lawyers we regularly appear in drug matters from beginning to end and can therefore give accurate timeframes for how long matters usually take. As a general rule, serious drug offences such as trafficking can take much longer as they must proceed on indictment in either the Supreme Court of Queensland or the District Court of Queensland. Minor drug offences on the other hand such as possessing utensils or a small amount of cannabis can oftentimes be dealt with much quicker in the Magistrates Court.