JDA Law’s specialised solicitors provide quality advice and representation for drug related offences in Victoria
- The possession, trafficking and manufacturing of certain drugs is illegal in Victoria
- Depending on the drug type and amount, you may be at risk of receiving a criminal record or jail sentence so quality representation is highly important
- Our expertise includes defending drug related charges of all levels of seriousness, including those prosecuted in both the Magistrates’ and County Court
Need immediate assistance in relation to an drug related charge or offence?
Call James Dowsley & Associates 24/7 on (03) 9781 4900

Types of Drug Charges
Victorian drug laws are contained in the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Drugs Act). The Act defines two types of illegal drugs:
- Drugs of dependence which can be possessed legally with a valid prescription, but are illegal to possess without a prescription.
- Drugs you can’t possess under any circumstance, such as:
- Cannabis
- Cocaine
- Methamphetamine
- Heroin
Some other chemical substances, as well as synthetic drugs and analogues of drugs are also included. An analogue of a drug is a modified version of a substance with similar chemical composition and use.
Penalties for drug related crimes differ depending on the substance, amount, and crime committed. Generally, using and possessing small quantities of illegal drugs is treated as a more minor crime than trafficking and cultivating drugs. Commonwealth law covers the most serious crimes of importing and exporting drugs.
See below for details on specific drug related charges in Victoria.
Drug Use and Drug Possession
Drug Use is defined by Victorian law as consuming an illicit substance. This may occur by swallowing, smoking, injecting, or other methods.
The maximum penalty for Cannabis use in Victoria is approximately $800. For other drugs it is approximately $5000 and/or one year imprisonment.
Read moreCultivating and Manufacturing
It is illegal to grow, nurture, or harvest an illegal plant or to manufacture illicit substances. This includes watering, planting and picking the leaves of a cannabis plant.
If these plants are in your possession or on your property it is presumed they belong to you.
Read moreDrug Trafficking
Drug Trafficking is a serious offence that is often proved by witness of a sale, or police finding a trafficable amount or items prepared for trafficking.
Activities that constitute Drug Trafficking under Victorian law include:
Read moreOther Offences:
- Forging a Prescription
- Making a False Representation to Obtain a Drug or Script
Need a Criminal Lawyer in Melbourne for a Drug Related Charge?
Our phone line is open 24/7 for advice on drug related charges.
Call our criminal lawyers now: (03) 9781 4900.
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