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Importing Amphetamine

Date Produced: 23 August 2007
Title: Drugs
Offence: Importing Amphetamine
Legislation: Section 170 Customs and Excise Management Act 1970. Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
Mode of Trial: Either Way
Statutory Limitations & Maximum Penalty:  14 Years

Aggravating & Mitigating Factors

  • Large amount
  • Scale of operation
  • Sophistication
  • Use of vulnerable couriers

Relevant Sentencing Guidelines

See Wijs below

Relevant Sentencing Case Law

Sentencing guidelines were issued in the case of Wijs [1982] 2 Cr App R 436
This case issued guidelines in respect of amphetamine due to its singular weight.
Will always attract a custodial sentence unless the quantities are so small so as to be consistent with personal use.

Up to 500 gm: up to 2 years
Between 500gm and 2.5.kg: 2-4 years
Between 2.5kg and 10kg: 4-7years
Between 10kg and 15kg: 7-10 years
More than 15kg: upwards of 10 years

Morris [2001]1 Cr App R 25
Purity analysis of the drug should be obtained for sentencing purposes.

Ancillary Orders

  • POCA

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