Proposed New Drug Laws Claimed To Hold Suppliers Accountable

 

By Josh McKenzie, Director at McKenzie McLoughlin Criminal Lawyers

 

In recent times, tragically there have been a number of deaths caused by the consumption of illegal drugs at music and dance festivals.

In breaking news today, it was publicised that the N.S.W Government is now planning on creating new laws to hold suppliers responsible for any deaths that follow the supply of illegal drugs.

On review of what has been published today, it would appear by what has been said to the press that it is expected that drug dealers who are found to be responsible for supplying drugs that lead to the death of a person, could face up to 25 years in prison.

Of importance, The Drug Misuse and Trafficking Act defines ‘supply’ as:

“sell and distribute, and also includes agreeing to supply or offering to supply, or keeping or having in possession for supply, or sending, forwarding, delivering, or receiving for supply, or authorising, directing, causing, suffering, permitting or attempting any of those acts or things.”

According to the State Premier Gladys Berejiklian, the government will strengthen laws to target drug suppliers by introducing a new offence that would hold them responsible for any deaths they cause as well as trialling on-the-spot fines for drug possession.

“The Attorney-General and the police force will be working together … we envisage it will be anywhere between grievous bodily harm, which is 10 years [maximum in prison], and manslaughter, which is 25 years [maximum in prison], so somewhere in that range,” Ms Berejiklian said.

In respect of these proposed new laws and the already existing ones regarding drug supply,  it is imperative that if you are charged with a drug offence you seek out experienced criminal lawyers for representation. At McKenzie McLoughlin Law, James and I are criminal lawyers who are former prosecutors for the Police and the DPP. I am also a former criminal investigator with the detectives. To have experienced legal representation that knows how the police go about their business in investigating and prosecuting matters is a tremendous advantage to any client. Call us for a free consultation.