Importing drugs into the UK is a very serious offence, punishable by a maximum term of life imprisonment or a series of other sanctions such as fines and shorter prison sentences for lesser offences. If you or someone you care about has been charged with or is facing prosecution for the importation of drugs into the UK, getting legal advice is essential. In this article, we outline the offence of importation of drugs, give some examples of how this offence is committed, outline sentencing, and discuss whether first time offenders are likely to receive a term of imprisonment for their first offence. Information on where to get more help is also included.
In UK law, importation means the illegal importation or exportation of a controlled drug – it covers both directions of drug movement into and out of the UK. Section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 prohibits the importation of controlled drugs into the UK without a licence. A controlled drug is any substance listed in Schedules 1 to 5 of the Act, and includes illegal drugs such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, and MDMA.
There are two exceptions to this rule under Section 3:
Here are some examples of importation of drugs offences in the UK:
If you are suspected of committing importation of drugs in the UK, it is a serious criminal offence, and you are likely to face legal consequences. The specific steps and consequences can vary depending on the circumstances of the case and the type and quantity of drugs involved. Here are the typical steps that may follow if you are suspected of drug importation in the UK:
Demonstrably, drug importation is a grave offence in the UK and the penalties are substantial. For this reason, it is highly advisable to seek the advice of an experienced drugs defence solicitor if you find yourself in such a situation.
The sentence for an offence involving the importation of drugs under section 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 will depend on a number of factors, including the class and quantity of drugs imported, the offender’s role in the offence, and any previous convictions. The maximum sentence that the court can impose is life imprisonment.
The Sentencing Council has issued definitive guidelines on drug importation offences, which provide judges with a framework for imposing sentences. The guidelines divide drug importation offences into three categories:
The guidelines also set out a starting point sentence for each category of offence. This is the sentence that the judge will start with when deciding what sentence to impose. Starting points for all offence categories are fines. The judge will then consider a number of aggravating and mitigating factors before adjusting the sentence up or down from the starting point.
Some aggravating factors that the judge may consider include:
Some mitigating factors that the judge may consider include:
In addition to the aggravating and mitigating factors, the judge will also consider the overarching principles of sentencing, such as deterrence, punishment, rehabilitation, and protection of the public. Once the judge has considered all of the relevant factors, they will impose a sentence that they believe is proportionate to the offence and the offender.
Whether or not someone will go to prison for a first-time offence involving the importation of drugs will depend on a number of factors, including the class and quantity of drugs imported, the offender’s role in the offence, and any previous convictions.
In general, first-time offenders who import small quantities of drugs for personal use are less likely to go to prison than first-time offenders who import large quantities of drugs for commercial purposes.
The Sentencing Council guidelines for drug offences recommend that first-time offenders who import small quantities of drugs for personal use be given a community order or a suspended sentence. However, the judge may still decide to impose a prison sentence, even for a first-time offender.
For example, a first-time offender who imports a small quantity of cannabis for personal use is unlikely to go to prison. However, a first-time offender who imports a small quantity of cocaine for personal use may be more likely to go to prison, especially if the cocaine is of high purity.
The likelihood of going to prison for a first-time offence involving the importation of drugs is also increased if the offender has any previous convictions, even if they are not for drug offences. A first-time offender who imports a small quantity of cocaine for personal use, for example, is more likely to go to prison if they have a previous conviction for violence.
In summary, the likelihood of going to prison for a first-time offence involving the importation of drugs will vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The best way to assess whether your particular circumstances will lead to a prison sentence is to get in touch with an experienced criminal defence solicitor with a proven record on drugs crimes.
If you or someone you care about is concerned about potential legal consequences for the importation of drugs, it is imperative that you seek sound and reliable legal advice. The team at Stuart Miller Solicitors have been advising clients on drugs offences for decades and are standing by ready to take your case. For a free consultation, get in touch with the team today.
Responsive
A legal expert will consult you within 24 hours of making an enquiry.
Empathetic
We will always treat you with trust, understanding and respect.
Specialised
Your case will be handled by an expert who specialises in your type of offence.
Proactive
We will take early action to end proceedings as soon as it is practically and legally possible to do so.
Engaged
You will be kept updated on your case at all times. We will provide a named contact available to answer your questions.
Caring
We understand this is a difficult and stressful time for you and your family. Our team will support you every step of the way.
Tenacious
We will never give up on your case. We fight tirelessly to get you the best possible outcome.