Advanced Search

CPS Public Consultations

We want to hear your views about our prosecution policy and so we conduct consultations to help inform our policy making.

Visit the consultations page to view the current and previous consultations

Supplying Class B and C drugs

Date Produced: 23 August 2007
Title: Drugs
Offence: Supplying Class B and C drugs
Legislation: Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 Section 4(3) and 5(3)
Mode of Trial: Either Way
Statutory Limitations & Maximum Penalty: 14 years

Aggravating & Mitigating Factors

  • Level of scale and involvement
  • Section 4A MDA 1971 (activity in vicinity of school or use of young courier)

Relevant Sentencing Guidelines

See Below

Relevant Sentencing Case Law

Sentencing guidelines were set down in R v Aramah 76 Cr App R 190
The supply of massive amounts will justify sentences in the region of 10 years for those playing anything more than a subordinate role. Otherwise between 1 - 4 years depending upon the scale of the operation. Even supply at a party for example may justify a custodial sentence.

Netts [1997] 2 Cr App R (S) 117
90kg of cannabis resin in 24 packages. D acting as courier. No pre-cons. 5 Years.

Chatfield (1983) 5 Cr App R (S) 289
2kg cannabis. G plea. 30 months.

Hill (1988) 10 Cr App R (S) 150
Dealing cannabis from home earning £100pw. G plea. Dealing small amounts to a large amount of people. 21 months.

Freeman [1997] 2 Cr App R (S) 224
G Plea to possession of cannabis with intent to supply a serving prisoner in prison. No related pre cons. 15 months.

Donovan [2005] 1 Cr App R (S) 16
Possession of 409gm cannabis with intent to supply. G plea. Good character. 6 months.

Ancillary Orders

  • POCA
  • Forfeiture

Consider Also

  • ASBO
  • Any assistance given to Police

Top of page

Return to the Sentencing Manual index