Drugs Module Flashcards
What must evidential transcripts of intercepted communications be?
They must be verbatim copy’s of the recorded version of the conversation.
Albeit when presented in Court they will be played in a manner that extra or inadmissible information is not disclosed
What is wilful blindness in relation to Importation?
When someone has their suspicions aroused as to the chance that their actions make them involved in the importation of a controlled drug BUT they deliberately refrain from making further enquires or confirming their suspicion in order to remain ignorant.
If that is proved the law presumes knowledge on the part of the accused and the fault lies in the deliberate failure to inquire when the accused knows there is reason for inquiry.
What does S.29 MODA say about proving usable quantity?
Section 29 states that is is not necessary for the Prosecution to prove the fact of usable quantity, unless the defendant raises the issue
What must the Prosecution consider when establishing if a controlled drug is of a usable quantity?
Whether or not the quantity of drug is usable depends on more than just the size or weight, the nature of the drug and the condition in which it is found are also relevant
What is a ‘Tracking Device”
Any device that may be used to help ascertain, by electronic or other means, either or both of the following:
-The location of a person or thing
-Whether a thing has been opened, tampered with or otherwise dealt with
What is the presumptive weight for possession for supply for controlled drugs not listed in Schedule 5 MODA ?
56 grams
List four examples of a Class A Controlled Drug?
Methamphetamine
Cocaine
LSD
Heroin
What Cannabis preparations are considered Class B controlled drugs?
Cannabis oil & hashish
What are the grounds for withholding intercepted communications?
-The information is likely to prejudice the maintenance of law, including the prevention, investigation and detection of offences
-Disclosure of the information is likely to endanger the safety of any person or people
-Disclosure of the information is likely to prejudice the security or defence of NZ
-Disclosure of personal and private information
-Disclosure of privileged information
What was held in R v Collister?
Circumstantial evidence from which and offenders intent can be inferred can include:
-Their words and actions before, during and after the event
-The surrounding circumstances
-The nature of the act itself
When is the offence of Importation under Section 6 (1)(a) complete?
The offence of importation does not end when the drugs cross the border, the process of importation continues while the goods are in transit, and only concludes when the goods have reached their final destination and are available to the consignee (R v Hancox)
List the three sentencing categories for Cannabis Cultivation
Category 1: Growing of small number of plants for personal use without any sale to another party occurring or being intended
Category 2: Small-scale cultivation for a commercial purpose
Category 3: large scale commercial cultivation with a considerable degree of sophistication and organisation
What does Section 2 MODA 1975 say about potential possession?
Potential possession includes circumstances where a controlled drug is subject to a persons control but is physically in the custody of another”
At what point does someone become criminally liable for importation?
Criminal liability arises as soon as the drugs cross the NZ border, and an importer may be convicted under section 6 (1)(a) MODA 1975 even if the drugs are intercepted by customs and never reach the intended address
Who and why are charges commonly laid under S.12A
(Equipment & Precursors)
Charges under S.12A (1) are commonly laid against business who knowingly supply equipment for cultivating cannabis or against ‘pseudo shoppers’ who acquire quantities of pseudoehpedrine to supply meth cooks
Charges under S.12A (2) are commonly laid against people in possession of such items that intend to use them themselves for such purposes
What activities are key within the first 24 hours of any telephone investigation?
Have the TSP (telecommunication service provider) trap the text messages for all relevant phone numbers. This ensures the data is stored and allows time to apply for production orders under S.6 S&S Act 2012
What are the conditions for issuing a SDW?
There are reasonable grounds:
- To suspect that an offence has, is or will be committed in respect of which they may apply for a warrant to enter a premise for the purpose of obtaining evidential material of the suspected offence
AND
- To believe that the use of a surveillance device will obtain information that is evidential material of the offence
Where are the powers to conduct searches of people, places and vehicles relating to controlled delivery’s under S.12 MUODA 1978 found?
Section 81 of the S&S Act 2012 details the powers available to conduct searches of people, places and vehicles for controlled delivery’s
What was held in R v Maginnis?
“Supply involves more than the mere transfer of physical control, it includes enabling the recipient to apply the thing to purposes for which he desires”
Define ‘Distributing’
To supply drugs to multiple people
List the section and elements for Drug Dealing:
(Supplies, Administer or Offers to Supply or Administer to persons under 18 years)
Drug Dealing (Supplies, Administer or Offers to Supply or Administer to persons under 18 years)
-Section 6 (1)(d) MODA 1975
-Supply (or) administer (or) offer to supply (or) offer to administer
-Any Class C controlled Drug
-To any person under 18 years of age
Define ‘Controlled Drug’
Any substance, preparation, article or mixture specified or described in schedules 1-3 of this Act and any controlled drug analogue
What safety considerations must you make when you have made an unplanned entry into a Clan Lab?
-Leave the area immediately
-Never touch, handle, move, disconnect or operate anything.
-Never touch, taste or smell chemicals
-Do not shut off water supply to house/dwelling
-Do not smoke in or near Clan Lab
-Do not use radio or cellphone or tools that cause friction
-Do not re-enter premises
What was held in R v Hancox?
Importation involved active conduct. It does not cease as the aircraft or vessel enters NZ territorial limits.
The process of importation exists from the time the goods enter NZ until they reach their immediate destination or have ceased to be under the control of the appropriate authorities and have become available to the consignee or addressee.