Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking
- Is this a location known for drugs? Stats on number of arrests/seizures in this area to objectively show reasonableness of belief
- Continuity of suspect. Especially if visual contact with the accused was broken between observation of the offence and the point of arrest
Grounds for Arrest/ Actions of Accused:
- Evidence the Accused possession was for the purpose “trafficking” (see Definition)
- Describe quantity, quality, packaging, records, phones etc. that objectively show the accused intent to traffic.
Continuity of Exhibit
- The continuity of the drugs, (or drug related exhibits) are often a key focus of defence arguments from the time the drugs are located till the time they are secured or sent to the lab for analysis.
- Where/when were the drugs located? (detailed to each pocket or pouch)
- Were they seized, tagged separately?
- Where/ when were the drugs placed during arrest, during transport, upon arrival at police office.
- Was the pocket, bag, envelope, trunk, glove compartment etc. checked for the presence of other drugs and clean?
- Were the drugs tagged and submitted according to the Drug Analysis Section Protocols on drug seizures
- Has a Drug Expert been requested to provide evidence regarding the seized exhibits?
Aggravating Factors
- Were any of the aggravating factors present in this drug offence?
Related Links:
Drug Analysis Section Protocols for Seized Drugs
Legal Issues
- Possession – Legal Issues
- Possession – Definition
- Definition of Traffic, Trafficking
Schedules