Drug Offences We Defend
Possession of Controlled Drugs
Possession offences arise where a person is alleged to have knowingly held a controlled substance unlawfully.
The prosecution must prove:
- The substance was controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
- The individual knew of its presence
- The individual had custody or control of the substance
Possession cases can involve cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, ketamine, heroin, prescription medication and synthetic substances.
The seriousness of the allegation depends on the type of drug, the quantity involved and the surrounding circumstances.
Possession with Intent to Supply
Possession with intent to supply is treated significantly more seriously than simple possession and often carries a risk of immediate custody.
The prosecution may rely on evidence such as drug quantities, cash seizures, mobile phone messages, packaging materials, scales or communication evidence.
In some cases, prosecutors attempt to infer intent to supply based largely on circumstantial evidence.
Our solicitors carefully analyse whether the available evidence genuinely supports an allegation of supply and challenge assumptions made during police investigations.
Drug Supply and Conspiracy Offences
Supply allegations range from street-level dealing through to allegations involving organised criminal networks.
Conspiracy allegations are particularly serious because prosecutors may allege involvement based on association, communication records or financial links rather than direct physical evidence.
These cases frequently involve:
- Multi-defendant proceedings
- Extensive phone evidence
- Surveillance operations
- Financial investigations
- Alleged gang involvement
- EncroChat evidence
Lewis Nedas Law provides robust defence representation in complex conspiracy and organised crime prosecutions.
County Lines Drug Offences
County lines investigations often involve allegations that drugs were transported and supplied between cities and regional locations using dedicated communication networks.
These cases may include allegations involving vulnerable individuals, exploitation, coercion and organised criminal groups.
Our criminal defence lawyers assess both the prosecution evidence and any safeguarding issues that may affect the case.
Drug Importation and Exportation
Importation offences involve allegations of bringing controlled drugs into the UK through airports, ports, postal systems or freight operations.
Border Force investigations may involve suitcase concealment, parcel interception, freight investigations, communication evidence and financial analysis.
Sentences for importation offences can be severe and often depend on the quantity, classification and alleged role of the individual involved.
Early legal advice is essential in these cases.
Cannabis Cultivation Allegations
Cannabis cultivation cases range from small-scale personal growth allegations through to sophisticated production operations.
Police investigations frequently involve property searches, electricity usage evidence, surveillance and forensic analysis.
In some situations, individuals may themselves have been exploited or coerced into involvement by organised criminal groups.
Our solicitors assess all available defence and mitigation options carefully.
Prescription Drug Offences
Some investigations involve controlled prescription medication rather than street drugs.
Cases may involve allegations relating to unlawful possession, supply of prescription medication, fraudulent prescriptions or importation of medication.
These allegations can have serious professional consequences for healthcare workers and regulated professionals.
What are the Penalties?
The penalties concerning drug crimes will ultimately depend on the class of the drug in question and the nature of the offence charged.
Class A drugs are deemed the most dangerous, and so any crime that involves them will likely be more severe than that involving a drug of a lesser classification. However, the penalty that is likely to be administered will also depend on the nature of the crime: there are more serious penalties for supplying or attempting to supply a controlled drug than there are for possession.
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act, the penalties for crimes are currently as follows:
| Drug Classification | Possession | Supply |
| A | 7 years imprisonment and a fine | Life imprisonment and a fine |
| B | 5 years imprisonment and a fine | 14 years imprisonment and a fine |
| C | 2 years imprisonment and a fine | 14 years imprisonment and a fine |
What Happens During a Drug Investigation?
Drug investigations often begin long before arrest.
Authorities may gather evidence through surveillance, mobile phone analysis, financial monitoring, informants and search warrants before taking enforcement action.
A person may then face:
- Arrest
- Interview under caution
- Bail conditions
- Charge decisions
- Asset seizure
- Court proceedings
Early legal representation can significantly affect the direction of the investigation and the strength of the prosecution case.
Step-by-Step Guide to a Drug Offence Case
Step 1: Seek Legal Advice Immediately
If you are arrested or contacted by police, request legal representation immediately and avoid answering questions without legal advice.
Step 2: Police Station Representation
Our solicitors advise clients during interview, review disclosure evidence and protect clients during police questioning.
Step 3: Review of the Evidence
We examine forensic evidence, phone downloads, search procedures, surveillance material and witness evidence carefully.
Step 4: Defence Strategy Preparation
Where appropriate, we challenge the prosecution evidence, seek disclosure of unused material and instruct expert witnesses.
Step 5: Court Proceedings
We represent clients in Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court proceedings across London and nationwide.
Step 6: Sentencing and Confiscation Advice
If a client is convicted, we prepare detailed mitigation and advise on confiscation proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Sentencing and Confiscation Proceedings
Drug offences can lead to imprisonment, suspended sentences, community orders, confiscation proceedings and asset seizure.
The court will consider factors such as:
- Drug classification
- Quantity
- Alleged role
- Financial gain
- Previous convictions
- Vulnerability or exploitation
Confiscation proceedings can continue long after a criminal case concludes and may involve restraint of bank accounts, property and financial assets.
Why Choose Lewis Nedas Law?
Lewis Nedas Law is recognised in Legal 500 and The Times Best Law Firms for criminal defence representation.
Clients instruct our drug offence solicitors because we provide:
- Immediate legal advice
- Strategic defence preparation
- Experienced Crown Court advocacy
- Representation in complex conspiracy cases
- Careful analysis of digital and forensic evidence
- Strong client communication throughout proceedings
We understand the pressure and uncertainty criminal allegations create. Our solicitors provide realistic advice, detailed preparation and robust representation at every stage of a case.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I am arrested for a drug offence?
Ask for a solicitor immediately and avoid answering police questions without legal advice.
Will I go to prison for a drug offence?
The outcome depends on the allegation, drug classification, quantity involved and your alleged role.
What is possession with intent to supply?
This offence alleges that drugs were held with the intention of supplying others rather than personal use.
Can police search my phone during a drug investigation?
Police may seek to examine phones and digital devices during investigations involving alleged drug offences.
Can assets be seized in drug cases?
Yes. Authorities may pursue confiscation proceedings and freezing orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Can I be charged if drugs were not found on me?
Yes. Prosecutors may rely on phone evidence, messages, financial records or alleged association with others.
What happens if I am accused of county lines drug offences?
County lines allegations are treated seriously and often involve conspiracy allegations and organised crime investigations.
Can first-time offenders avoid prison?
In some cases, yes. The outcome depends on the seriousness of the allegation and the surrounding circumstances.
Will a drug conviction affect my job?
A conviction can affect employment, professional regulation, travel and future opportunities.
What is a conspiracy to supply drugs charge?
This allegation claims that two or more people agreed to supply controlled drugs unlawfully.
Can police raid my home during a drug investigation?
Yes. Police may apply for search warrants where they believe evidence may be found at a property.
What are Class A drug offences?
Class A offences involve substances such as cocaine, heroin and MDMA and usually carry the most severe penalties.
How long do drug investigations last?
Some investigations conclude quickly, while others continue for months or years before charges are brought.
Contact our Drug Offence Solicitors in London
If you are facing investigation or prosecution for a drug offence, contact Lewis Nedas Law today.
Call 020 4572 1313 for immediate legal advice or complete our online contact form.
Our experienced criminal defence solicitors are ready to protect your rights, your reputation and your future.
