Drug offence allegations can range from simple possession through to large-scale conspiracy, importation and organised supply investigations. Whatever the allegation, the consequences can be severe, with many offences carrying lengthy custodial sentences, confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and long-term consequences for employment, travel and future careers.
Reeds Solicitors is recognised as one of the country’s leading criminal defence firms. Our Crime Team is ranked Band 1 by Chambers UK and Tier 1 by The Legal 500. The team is led by Julian Richards, Partner and Head of Complex Crime, who regularly represents individuals facing some of the most serious drug investigations conducted by regional organised crime units, the National Crime Agency and other specialist law enforcement agencies.
We represent clients across England and Wales at every stage of a drug investigation, from search warrants, voluntary interviews and police station attendance through to Crown Court trials, appeals and Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings. Our solicitors advise individuals accused of possession with intent to supply, conspiracy to supply, drug importation, cannabis cultivation and production, as well as those alleged to be concerned in the supply of controlled drugs.
Our Drug Offence Expertise
Drug investigations are often lengthy and may involve multiple interviews as digital devices, and other evidence are seized and examined over many months. It is therefore crucial to adopt the right interview strategy from the outset. In some cases, the best course is to answer “no comment”. In others, carefully prepared defence evidence or a prepared statement may influence the direction of the investigation and help protect your position.
When instructed, we seek to obtain as much disclosure as possible from the investigating officer before any interview takes place, enabling us to provide informed advice on the evidence and the best approach. We represent clients throughout the investigation, advising at police station interviews, preparing written representations, and ensuring that decisions made at the earliest stage do not prejudice your defence.
See our pre-charge representation service page for more information.
Possession with intent to supply Class A drugs is one of the most serious offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Investigations often involve allegations relating to cocaine, heroin, crack cocaine and MDMA, and may include conspiracy, organised crime or county lines allegations. A conviction can result in a lengthy prison sentence together with confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
We provide strategic advice from the earliest stage of the investigation, carefully scrutinising the prosecution evidence and building a defence tailored to the circumstances of each case. Where a conviction cannot be avoided, we consider whether a carefully drafted basis of plea can properly limit the factual basis of the offence, such as the quantity of drugs involved or the defendant’s role, with the aim of securing a more favourable sentence.
See our possession with intent to supply class A service page for more information.
Drug importation and conspiracy allegations are among the most complex cases prosecuted in the Crown Court. They frequently involve the National Crime Agency, Border Force, regional organised crime units and overseas law enforcement agencies. Evidence can include encrypted communications, surveillance, financial records, cell-site analysis and extensive digital material gathered over many months.
Our Complex Crime Team has extensive experience representing clients accused of participating in large-scale drug trafficking operations, including cases involving EncroChat and international investigations.
Cannabis allegations can range from possession with intent to supply through to large-scale commercial cultivation and production. Whether the allegation concerns street-level supply, a cannabis grow or involvement in a wider operation, the prosecution must prove the nature and extent of your involvement using forensic, digital and financial evidence.
Our solicitors represent clients facing all types of cannabis-related allegations, from police station interviews through to Crown Court proceedings.
Cash seizure, account freezing and restraint proceedings can arise during the investigation itself. After conviction, prosecutors may seek confiscation orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (POCA). These proceedings can have significant financial consequences and require specialist legal advice.
Our solicitors regularly advise clients facing confiscation and other POCA proceedings arising from drug investigations.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 classifies drugs into three categories. Class A contains the most addictive and/or dangerous drugs such as heroin, crack cocaine, and LSD. Class B drugs include amphetamines and cannabis. Drugs that fall into Class C include GHB and Khat. Regardless of the allegations against you, we will be able to intervene and provide expert legal guidance on all offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, including:
- Possession of a controlled drug.
- Possession with intent to supply.
- Production, cultivation or manufacture.
- Supplying another person.
- Offering to supply another person.
- Allowing a property to be used or to consume, supply or manufacture controlled drugs.
- Being concerned in the supply of controlled drugs
- Importation of controlled drugs
We are often instructed in cases where clients face allegations of Conspiracy to commit the offences listed, our specialist team of drug offence lawyers will quickly and confidentially intervene to get control of your case, making themselves available where and when needed to represent you.
It is common for the prosecution to charge defendants with ‘possession with intent to supply’. This is a more serious offence than simple ‘possession’. To prove possession, the prosecution must show you ‘possessed’ the drug, i.e. it was on your person or in your control (for example in the glove compartment of your car) and that you had knowledge of this fact.
Evidence that can indicate a person may be in ‘possession with intent to supply’ can include
- the amount of the controlled drug in the persons possession;
- mobile phone traffic, messages and history suggesting ‘dealing’ or selling;
- and/or the presence of unexplained or large amounts of cash.
The prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that you intended to provide the controlled drugs to another person who had no legal right to possess them.
We will intensively prepare for your trial and collate the necessary evidence required to support your case.
Unfortunately yes. This is an enormously controversial topic that has received significant media attention over the last five or so years. As the law currently stands medical cannabis can only be prescribed by a specialist doctor (not a GP) for the following:
- Children and adults with rare, severe forms of epilepsy.
- Adults with vomiting or nausea caused by chemotherapy.
- People with muscle stiffness and spasms caused by multiple sclerosis (MS).
It has been argued before the courts that refusing to allow defendants to rely on medical necessity as a defence is a breach of their rights under art.3 of the European Convention of Human Rights (ECHR) (prohibition of torture). The courts have rejected this argument on the grounds that because the State did not inflict the pain suffered it is not under a duty to alleviate it. Allowing people to self-medicate via unlawful means would conflict with the aims of the legislation.
Section 25 provides a defence to production and supply, possession, and cultivation of cannabis. It states that a defence is available if the defendant can prove that they neither knew of nor suspected nor had reason to suspect the existence of some fact alleged by the prosecution which is necessary for the prosecution to prove if they are to be convicted of the offence charged.
For example, to gain a conviction for possession the prosecution must prove that you possessed the controlled drug and that you knew the substance was controlled. If the prosecution cannot prove these facts to the criminal standard (beyond reasonable doubt) there can be no conviction.
The section 25 defence is complex, however, our criminal law specialists can swiftly evaluate whether or not it can be convincingly argued in your case and advise you accordingly.
The court follows a sentencing guideline which sets out the sentences to be applied depending on the seriousness of the offence, your level of culpability, and the class of drug involved. Our specialist drug offence lawyers will advise you on what type of sentence you may receive if you are convicted or plead guilty and work tirelessly to mitigate the fine and/or custodial sentence.
You can be assured that we will advise and represent you on a drug-related offence with meticulous professionalism and expertise.
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