Controlled Drugs: Identification and Offences

Question 1

How would you recognise cannabis?

Answer 1

Dried, rough grass (like tobacco or herb material). Often has seeds, twigs and stems. Greyish green, greenish brown, reddish brown. Has distinctive sweet smell.

Question 2

What are the three categories of drugs? Give an example from each

Answer 2

Class A - Methamphetamine, LSD, Heroin, Cocaine, PCP
Class B - Morphine, Amphetamine, Cannabis Resin/Oil, MDMA (ecstasy), morphine
Class C - Cannabis leaf, codeine, Psuedoephedrine, BZP

Question 3

What are you required to prove for possession of a controlled drug?

Answer 3

1) possession - the person was in possession of the drug
2) knowledge - they knew what the drug was
3) usable quantity - the amount of drug was enough to be usable

Question 4

What are you required to prove if you charge a person with possession of instruments?

Answer 4

You need to prove that the utensil was in fact capable of use, ie, that it was not broken or ornamental, and that the suspect was currently using it or intending to do so in the future.

Question 5

What does the presumption of possession to supply mean?

Answer 5

A charge of possession for supply could be bought against a person based only on the amount of material found.

Question 6

What amounts are regarded as an indication for possession for supply?

Answer 6

0.5g of cocaine or heroin
5g of morphine
5g of methamphetamine
56g of other controlled drug
100 cannabis cigarettes
28g of cannabis