Possession with intent to supply is an offence that relates to controlled drugs which are specified as Class A, B or C. In order to be convicted of this offence, it needs to be proven beyond doubt that the defendant was in possession of a controlled drug, and they had the intent to supply the drugs to someone else.

The prosecution for this offence will usually include a combination of forensic evidence (to confirm the nature of the controlled substance found in the possession of the defendant) and direct evidence such as telephone calls and messages, surveillance and witness testimony. Someone in possession of a large quantity of a controlled drug, which is not consistent with personal use, can also be inferred as intending to supply. In a similar way, possession of drug-related equipment that is indicative of supplying the drug to others can also be used as evidence. Sometimes, this type of evidence may be challenged by the defence. As a result, the offence may be downgraded to possession of a controlled drug, which is considered a less serious offence.

If you are convicted of possession with intent to supply a Class A drug then the sentence can vary somewhat, because there are a number of factors that are taken into account. The maximum sentence for class A drugs is life imprisonment, and for Class B and C drugs, it is 14 years.

Some of the factors that can play a part in the sentence imposed include the class of drug, the role of the defendant in the situation, the amount of drugs involved and any mitigating circumstances e.g. evidence that the defendant was coerced into the offence.

On top of a prison sentence, there is often an application made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 to recover the benefit that the defendant gained from their criminal conduct. This can have serious financial implications and its vital to have specialist legal support to represent you at this time.

Your solicitor can help to determine if there are any factors involved that could potentially mean a shorter sentence for the conviction because of the individual circumstances involved.

As experienced criminal defence solicitors with a positive reputation nationwide, Forbes offer expert assistance in relation to any allegations of possession with intent to supply drugs. Our police station solicitor service, which operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, means that no matter when you need us, our team can offer specialist support at every single stage of an investigation and any potential prosecution. If you have been charged with intent to supply or ever need specialist advice on a drug-related offence, our team can help, offering legal expertise nationwide. Call us on 0800 689 3206.