Charged with Drug
Importation or Exportation?
Understand the Seriousness of the Offence
Drug importation/exportation under Commonwealth law targets both individuals and organised operations involved in the cross-border movement of illicit substances. This offence can apply in many different scenarios, such as:
- Arranging or facilitating shipments without physically handling the drugs
- Using international mail, air cargo, or human couriers (“drug mules”)
- Acting recklessly in regard to what was being imported or exported
You do not have to own the drugs or personally carry them to be charged. Even limited or indirect involvement can lead to prosecution.
If you are facing charges, contact Brightstone Defence Criminal Lawyers for strategic advice and strong representation.
Drug importation and exportation refers to bringing illegal drugs into or out of Australia, whether by mail, suitcase, hidden in cargo, or using people as couriers ("mules"). It applies even if the person only arranged the shipment or was part of a broader operation.
It’s a serious federal offence that goes beyond borders, but you don’t need to physically cross a border to be charged.
检方必须证明的要素
To secure a conviction, the prosecution must prove:
- The person imported/exported a substance; either directly or indirectly
- That the substance was a prohibited drug or plant
- The person intended to do it or was reckless as to what was being imported/exported
- The quantity falls within one of the threshold categories; e.g. commercial quantity
They don’t need to prove ownership, just involvement is enough.
可能的防御
Legal defences could include:
- Lack of knowledge – the person did not know they were moving drugs (for example, unknowingly carrying drugs in luggage)
- Duress – they were coerced or threatened into doing it
- Mental impairment – affecting the person’s ability to form intent
- No actual drug – the substance was not illegal under law
Everything is assessed on a case-by-case basis.
潜在的处罚
Under the Criminal Code Regulations 2002 (Schedule 4), the law clearly defines what counts as a “marketable” or “commercial” quantity for each border-controlled drug.
For border-controlled plants, the relevant amounts are listed separately in Regulation 5E of the same Regulations.
These offences carry some of the harshest penalties in Australian law:
- Up to life imprisonment for commercial quantities
- 25 years imprisonment for marketable quantities
- Heavy fines – up to $1,500,000 or more, depending on the case
- Permanent criminal record, restrictions on travel, and deportation if not an Australian citizen
Even attempting to import or export drugs is treated nearly as seriously as actually doing it.
法律程序
& 选项
Drug importation/exportation charges are prosecuted under Commonwealth law and typically handled in the District Court or Federal Court. The legal process includes initial arrest, bail applications, case conferences, and possibly a trial if the matter proceeds on a not guilty plea.
恳求
无罪
Brightstone Defence Criminal Lawyers will build a tailored defence strategy which may include:
- Arguing lack of knowledge or intent
- Challenging the legality of the search or arrest
- Disputing the classification or quantity of the substance
- Identifying flaws in the chain of custody or forensic process
We will thoroughly analyse all evidence, protect your legal rights, and fight for the best possible outcome.
恳求
有罪
Your matter will proceed directly to sentencing. Entering an early guilty plea may:
- Reduce legal costs and penalties
- Demonstrate remorse, which may lead to a more lenient sentence
- Improve your chances of receiving a less severe penalty, such as a reduced term or Conditional Release Order (CRO)
Before pleading guilty, consult our experienced team to understand the full legal consequences and whether it is the right option in your circumstances.
- 不，它也可以包括生产过程中的任何步骤，例如：
- 混合前体
- 组装实验室设备
- 准备成分并意图制造禁止物质
- 不，即使在小规模上也是非法的。
无论规模或数量如何，根据《1985年新南威尔士州毒品滥用和贩运法》第24(1)条，这都是一项刑事罪行。
当然。检察官需要证明存在生产禁止毒品的意图。仅仅拥有某些化学品或工具而没有意图可能不符合制造的法律定义。然而，拥有强大的法律支持以帮助区分您的参与至关重要。
法律上，制造禁止毒品通常指被包括在生产中。这可以包括，例如：
- 去朋友家帮助他操作药丸机
- 购买家庭套件并在家自制MDMA
供应意图可以从以下证据推断：
- 安排交易的短信
- 拥有可密封袋或秤
- 大量无法解释的现金
- 在一个知名的毒品分发区域
法院会考虑以下因素：
- 罪行的情况
- 犯罪者的犯罪历史和品格
- 减轻因素（《1999年犯罪（判决程序）法》第21A条）
初犯者很少被监禁。替代判决可以包括：
- 罚款
- 社区释放令
- 社区瞫正令
初犯者可以通过以下方式避免定罪：
- 参加毒品法院项目
- 追求康复
- 获得第10条
- 提交道歉信
- 提供品格推荐信
前体物质是用于制造新南威尔士州禁止毒品的材料。
新南威尔士州法律限制未经授权拥有某些前体，例如伪麻黄碱，如果意图用于毒品制造。
- 供应涉及分发的证据或分发禁止毒品的意图
- 被视为供应适用于当某人被发现拥有超过可贩运数量的毒品时
- 在这种情况下，法律推定供应意图，即使没有直接证据
是的。根据《1985年毒品滥用和贩运法》第29条，如果您被发现拥有超过可贩运数量的毒品，法律会推定供应意图，除非另有证明。
是的。对于小量（15到30克干燥大麻），新南威尔士州警察可以发出大麻警告。
《大麻警告计划》：
- 自2000年以来一直实施
- 由新南威尔士州警察部队运营
- 在1999年新南威尔士州毒品峰会后制定
警察有酸量权发出警告，鼓励法律意识和健康支持。
对于更严重的罪行，请立即寻求法律建议。
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