Drugs Flashcards
Saxton v Police
Import includes “to introduce from abroad or cause to be brought in from a foreign country”
What is the definition of importation?
Any goods, means the arrival of the good in New Zealand in any manner, whether lawfully or unlawfully, from a point outside New Zealand
What are four ways drugs can be brought into NZ?
- concealed in or on their person or in their luggage
- have another person (mule) bring the drugs in
- send or have drugs sent by international mail or courier
- conceal drugs inside legitimate goods e.g. in shipping containers
What is the story behind Saxton v Police?
Saxton sent a parcel to himself from London to Dunedin containing cannabis resin. Customs intercepted it and he was charged with importation. The court of appeal held that import includes “to bring in” but it also has a wider definition
What section is importing?
6(1)(a)
When does importation start and when does criminal liability arise in relation to importation?
- Importation begins at the point of origin and continues until the drugs have reached their destination
- Criminal liability arises as soon as the drugs cross the NZ border even if the drugs are intercepted by customs
R v Hancox
Bringing the goods into the country, i.e. importing them exists from the time the good enters NZ until they reach their immediate destination, when they have become available to the consignee or addressee.
In relation to importation, what does the Crown need to prove?
- the defendants conducts contributed to the actual importation of the drug
- the defendant knew about the importation AND
- knew the imported substance was a controlled drug AND
- intended to cause importation
What is wilful blindness?
Deliberately turning a blind eye to the facts. Deliberately refraining from making further inquiries or confirming their suspicion in order to remain ignorant
R v Martin
What is the definition of New Zealand under the customs and excise Act 2018
The land and the waters enclosed by the outer limits of the territorial sea of NZ. The outer limits of the territorial sea is 12 nautical miles form the land mass of New Zealand
What is the definition of ‘Any controlled drug’
Any substance, preparation, mixture or article specified or described in schedule 1, 2,3 to this act and includes any analogue
What is a controlled drug analogue?
Any substance other than the exceptions specified in the definition, with a structure substantially similar to a controlled drug. A substance that has similar dangerous effects but that is not specifically listed in schedules in the act
In relation to a drug analogue, what does it not include?
- Any substance specified or described in schedules 1 or 2 or parts 1-6of schedule 3 in Moda
- Any pharmacy only medicine, prescription medicine or restricted medicine within the meaning of the medicines Act 1981
- An approved product within the meaning psychoactive substances Act 2013
What class is a drug analogue?
It will always be Class C no matter which drug it resembles
What are 5 examples of Class A drugs?
- methamphetamine
- cocaine
- heroin
- lysergide
- AMB-FUBINACA
For class A B and C what is the risk to individuals and society?
A=very high risk
B=High Risk
C=Moderate
What are five examples of a class B controlled drug?
Cannabis oil MDMA pseudoephedrine Ephedrine Amphetamine
What are four examples of a class C controlled drug?
Cannabis plant
Cannabis seed
BZP
Controlled drug analogues
What are the exceptions for the importing of ‘any controlled drug’
Controlled drugs listed in part 6 of schedule 3
R v Strawbridge
Guilty knowledge. It is not necessary for the crown to establish guilty knowledge on the part of the defendant. Guilty knowledge will be presumed unless the defendant can prove beyond reasonable doubt that they honestly believed on reasonable grounds that their act was innocent i.e. growing cannabis plants but not knowing they’re cannabis
If the defendant makes a mistake as to the nature of the drug what happens?
Section 29 states that it would not be a defence that the defendant believed the drug was a different substance to what it is
R V Emerali
There serious offence of possessing a narcotic does not extend to some minute amount and useless residue of the substance
Do you have to prove the quantity of the controlled drug is useable?
Under section 29A is is not necessary to prove it’s usable unless the defendant brings it up as an issue
What is the section for producing and manufacturing?
6(1)(b)