Being Concerned in the Supply of Drugs

Common questions about being concerned in the supply of drugs

What does being concerned in the supply of drugs mean?

Being concerned in the supply of drugs is a specific drug offence that is referenced under Section 4(3) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.

For someone to be concerned with the supply of drugs, the prosecution must be able to demonstrate that they made an identifiable act of participation in a deal. What is considered to be ‘participation’ varies. It could include activities which are at both the centre and fringes of dealing in controlled drugs.

Anything from acting as a financier, courier, go-between, advertiser, packer, or look-out could be described as being concerned in the supply of drugs. To gain a conviction, the prosecution will seek to prove that the alleged offender was aware drugs were being supplied, and they subsequently acted on that knowledge.

It is important to note that, with concern to supply drugs legislation, prosecutors do not need to prove that you actually produced drugs or had drugs in your possession to be able to convict.

What is the sentence for being concerned in the supply of drugs?

The sentence for being concerned in the supply of drugs can vary significantly depending on a number of factors.

The maximum sentence you could potentially receive for being concerned in the supply of drugs is life imprisonment. This will typically be in cases where you are accused of concern to supply Class A drugs.

Concern to supply Class A sentences in the UK are always likely to be treated seriously by the prosecution. For example, concern to supply Class A drugs sentences in the UK will be harsher than concern to supply Class B drugs.

The minimum sentence you could receive will often be a Band A fine and a medium level community order. It is important to remember, however, that this minimum sentence will likely only be handed out in cases involving Class C drugs, and where the offender’s harm and culpability (discussed below) are considered to be low.

What are the concerned in the supply of drugs sentencing guidelines?

The sentencing guidelines for being concerned in the supply of drugs is complex. In every case, the alleged offender’s culpability and the harm caused are taken into account.

Culpability focuses on someone’s perceived role in relation to the offence that has allegedly been committed. It is used to determine whether someone took a leading, significant, or lesser role. The more substantial the role, the more serious a sentence is likely to be.

Harm is based on the product itself. It involves factors such as the weight and quantity of the product. There are four categories of harm, with the highest level of harm being category 1. The type of drug is also taken into consideration.

In addition to this, the court are also likely to consider various aggravating or mitigating factors.

Common aggravating factors which could increase the severity of a sentence include:

• Prior convictions
• Offence committed on bail
• Exploitation of children or vulnerable persons
• Exercising control over home of another person

Common mitigating factors which could decrease the severity of a sentence include:

• No previous convictions
• Good character and/or exemplary conduct
• Age and/or lack of maturity
• Mental disorder or learning disability
• Involvement due to pressure, intimidation or threats
• Mistaken belief about the type of drug

Contact our drug offence solicitors today

For urgent free initial consultation (subject to requirements), immediate representation, or urgent advice about allegations of being concerned in the supply of drugs, please do not hesitate to get in touch with our specialist drug offence solicitors.

You can contact a member of our dedicated team of drug offence solicitors in London, Birmingham, and Manchester by telephone on:

• City of London: 0207 624 7771 - our senior Solicitors and Partners can meet by appointment in the City.
• Brent & Camden London Office: 0207 624 7771
• Manchester Office: 0161 835 1638
• Birmingham Office: 0121 614 3333

Or email: solicitors@jdspicer.co.uk

Alternatively, you can fill out our quick online enquiry form, and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

24/7 criminal defence lawyers & police station representatives

Please get in touch for a free initial consultation with one of our expert drug offence solicitors, as well as immediate representation and advice related to being concerned in the supply of drugs.

We are available to represent clients all over England and Wales at any time, so please contact our Emergency Number 07836 577 556.