In accordance with the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic), cocaine possession, supply, trafficking, production, or publication are offences. Heavy fines, imprisonment, and other penalties can result from cocaine possession, supply, trafficking, production, or publication.
Cocaine offences carry varying penalties depending on the type and quantity of the drug, as well as the nature and circumstances of the crime. For example, the maximum penalty for possessing cocaine is:
- If the quantity is less than a traffickable quantity (2 grams), one year imprisonment and/or 30 penalty units ($4,957.80) will apply.
- If the quantity is a traffickable quantity or more, but less than a commercial quantity (500 grams), 5 years imprisonment and/or 400 penalty units ($66,436) will be imposed
- If the quantity is a commercial quantity or greater, but less than a large commercial quantity (1 kilogram), you will be sentenced to 15 years of imprisonment and/or 2,000 penalty units ($332,180).
- 25 years imprisonment and/or 3,000 penalty units ($498,270) if the quantity is a large commercial quantity or more
The maximum penalties for supplying cocaine are:
- 15 years imprisonment and/or 2,000 penalty units ($332,180) if the quantity is less than a commercial quantity
- 25 years imprisonment and/or 3,000 penalty units ($498,270) if the quantity is a commercial quantity or more but less than a large commercial quantity
- Life imprisonment and/or 5,000 penalty units ($830,450) if the quantity is a large commercial quantity or more
The maximum penalty for trafficking cocaine is:
- Life imprisonment and/or 5,000 penalty units ($830,450)¹
The maximum penalty for producing cocaine is:
- 25 years imprisonment and/or 3,000 penalty units ($498,270) if the quantity is less than a large commercial quantity
- Life imprisonment and/or 5,000 penalty units ($830,450) if the quantity is a large commercial quantity or more
The maximum penalty for publishing or possessing a recipe for producing cocaine is:
- 25 years imprisonment and/or 3,000 penalty units ($498,270)
You may also lose your driving privileges if you are found guilty of cocaine offences, as you may be charged with driving while impaired by substances or driving with an illicit drug in your oral fluid. These offences may result in fines, licence suspensions and prison sentences.
You should seek legal advice if you have been charged with a cocaine offense and if you wish to dispute the charges. Cocaine offenses are complex and serious matters, which can adversely affect your life and livelihood.
