SUPPLY

Under Section 6 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld), “supply” is defined very broadly. It is not limited to selling drugs for money — it also includes:

- Giving or sharing a dangerous drug with another person

- Offering to supply, even if the supply never occurs

- Distributing or delivering drugs on behalf of someone else

- Administering a drug to another person

- Transporting drugs for the purpose of supply

This means that even passing a small amount to a friend, or making an offer that never eventuates, can still amount to “supply” under the law.

The penalties for drug supply are among the harshest under Queensland law, with maximum sentences ranging from 15 years to life imprisonment depending on the drug and the circumstances.

- Life imprisonment – if a Schedule 1 drug (such as cocaine, heroin, MDMA, methamphetamine) is supplied to a child under 16.

- Up to 25 years imprisonment – for aggravated supply of a Schedule 1 drug (e.g. supplying to an intellectually impaired person, someone in custody, a person under your care, or within a school or educational institution).

- Up to 20 years imprisonment – for supply of a Schedule 1 drug without aggravating factors.

- Up to 15 years imprisonment – for supply of a Schedule 2 drug (such as cannabis, codeine, diazepam).

A conviction for drug supply can have life‑changing consequences, including imprisonment and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, travel, and future opportunities.

To convict someone of drug supply under Section 6 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld), the prosecution must prove beyond reasonable doubt that:

- The accused supplied a dangerous drug (this can include selling, giving, offering, administering, or transporting).

- The substance was in fact a dangerous drug under the Act.

- The supply was unlawful (not authorised by prescription, licence, or other legal authority).

- If aggravated supply is alleged, the aggravating factor must also be proven (for example, supply to a child under 16, to an intellectually impaired person, within a school, or to someone in custody).

If the prosecution cannot prove each of these elements beyond reasonable doubt, the charge should not succeed.

There are several legal defences that may be raised to a charge of drug supply in Queensland. These can include:

- Lack of knowledge – you did not know, and could not reasonably have known, that the substance was a dangerous drug.

- No supply occurred – the prosecution cannot prove that a supply or offer to supply actually took place.

- Authorisation – the supply was lawful (for example, under a valid prescription or licence).

- Insufficient evidence – the prosecution cannot prove each element of the offence beyond reasonable doubt.

Every case depends on its own facts, and obtaining early legal advice is critical to identifying the strongest defence strategy.

A conviction for drug supply in Queensland can have serious, long‑lasting effects beyond the court sentence. These may include:

- Imprisonment – penalties range up to life in prison for the most serious cases.

- Criminal record – a permanent record that can affect employment, professional licences, and future opportunities.

- Travel restrictions – many countries, including the USA, may refuse entry to people with drug convictions.

- Personal impact – reputational damage, financial hardship, and strain on family and community relationships.

Because the consequences extend far beyond the courtroom, obtaining early legal advice is critical to protect your future.

Coral Coast Law delivers strategic advice and strong representation for anyone facing a drug supply charge under Section 6 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld). Guidance is provided at every stage of the process, from explaining rights and options in plain language, to analysing the evidence for weaknesses, and presenting persuasive arguments in court to achieve the best possible outcome.