Being charged with a drug related offence is serious offence in Canada which is governed by the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act. Many drug related offences carry lengthy mandatory minimum jail sentences that can ruin both your personal and professional life. Being convicted of a drug related offence carries serious consequences including jail, restrictions on travelling, immigration consequences, employment consequences, and

Common Drug Offences in Ontario

1. Possession of a Controlled Substance:

• • • Possession of illegal drugs, such as cocaine, heroin, methamphetamine, or ecstasy, is a criminal offence. Possession charges can also apply to prescription drugs without a valid prescription.

2. Possession for the Purpose of Trafficking:

• • • This offence involves possessing drugs with the intent to sell, distribute, or traffic them. The quantity of drugs and other evidence, such as packaging materials or large sums of money, can indicate intent to traffic.

3. Trafficking in a Controlled Substance:

• • • Trafficking refers to the sale, distribution, or delivery of illegal drugs. This offence can include offering to sell drugs or even giving them away for free.

4. Production of a Controlled Substance:

• • • This offence involves cultivating, manufacturing, or producing illegal drugs. Examples include growing marijuana without a licence or operating a methamphetamine lab.

Many defences are available to drug related offences and many include the skillful advocacy of challenging the seizure of the evidence as the evidence may have been seized through unlawful means. Having a skilled advocate by your side is your best defence against a criminal drug related charge.

Our criminal lawyers have successfully argued for the exclusion of evidence and ultimately the dismissal of very serious criminal drug charges for many clients. To contact a Richmond Hill Criminal Drug lawyer, contact our office at 647-352-2245 (BAIL).

For more information about drug charges please visit our FAQ page.