092 Distribute or deal drugs

Distribution or dealing includes the unlawful supply or purchase of an illicit or prescription drug. 

In most cases, prescription drugs will relate to “Schedule 8” drugs in Australia and “Class B” or “Class C” drugs in New Zealand, such as cannabis, amphetamine-based medication, and opioid-based pain medication.  Regulatory offences relating to non-prescription drugs, herbal remedies, or retail products with psychoactive effects (such as petrol or butane) are excluded from this subdivision.

Where it is not possible to disaggregate offences by commercial and non-commercial quantities, offences should be coded to 0920 Distribute or deal drugs, not further defined.

This group include offences relating to the supply or purchase of a drug, where the amount involved is deemed to be of a quantity sufficient for commercial activity.

• Conspiracy to distribute or deal drugs in a commercial quantity
• Unlawful distribution or dealing of drugs within Australia or New Zealand, in commercial quantities

• International trafficking of drugs – coded to the relevant groups within 091 International drug trafficking
• Regulatory offences relating to sale of products that can be used as inhalants, such as aerosol spray, petrol, glue, or butane – coded to 1234 Hazardous substances offences  
• Sale of “snake oil” products or “fake cures” that don’t include illicit substances – coded to 0821 Fraudulent trade practices
• Unlawful sale or purchase of alcohol– coded to 1232 Alcohol offences
• Unlawful sale or purchase of tobacco – coded to 1233 Tobacco, nicotine, or related offences

This group include offences relating to the unlawful supply or purchase of an illicit or prescription drug, where the amount involved is not of a quantity for commercial use.

• Give, sell, or accept prescription drugs prescribed to someone else
• Sell or share drugs purchased for private use
• Other distribution or dealing of drugs in non-commercial quantities

• Possession or use of drugs – coded to the relevant group in 094 Unlawful possession or use of drugs
• Use of forgery or deception to obtain prescription drugs – coded to 0819 Obtain benefit by deception, nec
• Unlawful sale or purchase of alcohol – coded to 1232 Alcohol offences
• Unlawful sale or purchase of tobacco – coded to 1233 Tobacco, nicotine, or related offences