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Offences Involving Steroids


Steroids are a class of drugs which include anabolic compounds and hormones which are illegal to import, possess, supply or traffic in Queensland. This section describes the range of offences involving steroids under Queensland law and includes the likely penalties for them.

Steroids are classified as a Schedule 1 “dangerous drug” under the Drugs Misuse Regulation 1987.

The full list of all substances which are classed as steroids for the purposes of the Drugs Misuse Act 1989 is contained in Schedule 1, Part 2, of the Regulation.

Possessing Steroids

It is illegal to possess dangerous drugs pursuant to section 9 of the Act.

The maximum penalty for possessing steroids depends on the quantity of the drug possessed. There are three quantity ranges under the Act and Regulation. Possessing less than 50 grams carries a maximum penalty of 15 years; 50 grams or over, 20 years; and 5000g or more, 25 years.

Will I Go To Jail For Possessing Steroids?

If you are guilty of possessing more than 5000 grams of a steroid drug then a sentence of imprisonment is almost inevitable. For lesser amounts, in particular amounts under 50 grams, sentences other than imprisonment are often imposed.

It is very important that a person charged with possessing steroids seeks competent legal representation at an early stage.

Supplying Steroids

It is illegal to supply a dangerous drug pursuant to section 6 of the Act.

The maximum penalty for supplying steroids depends on the nature of the supply. Supplying a child aged under 16 carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment; aggravated supply, 25 years; and supply in any other case, 20 years.

‘Aggravated supply’ is when a person supplies steroids to someone who is over 16 but under 18, supplies the drug in an educational or correctional facility, supplies it to a person who is intellectually impaired or supplies it to as person who does not know they are being supplied with steroids.

Will I Go To Jail For Supplying Steroids?

If you are guilty of aggravated supply a jail sentence is almost inevitable. For less serious examples the offence, for example an older person who on-sells their hormone replacement therapy medication to an amateur athlete, a custodial sentence is often avoidable.

Trafficking Steroids

It is illegal to carry on a business unlawfully trafficking in a dangerous drug, pursuant to section 5 of the Act.

The maximum penalty for trafficking steroids is 25 years imprisonment.

Will I Go To Jail For Trafficking Steroids?

While not inevitable in less serious cases, most people who are guilty of trafficking steroids can expect to receive a jail sentence, normally with a portion served inside a jail.

If a person receives a sentence of imprisonment (other than an Intensive Corrections Order or a suspended sentence) then the law requires the court to order they serve 80% of their sentence inside of jail before being eligible for release.

Producing Steroids

It is illegal to produce dangerous drugs pursuant to section 8 of the Act.

The maximum penalty for producing steroids depends on the quantity of the drug produced. There quantity ranges and penalties under the Act and Regulation are the same as for possession, except that the prison term rises from 20 years to 25 years if a non-drug-addicted person produces 50g or more.

Will I Go To Jail For Producing Steroids?

A sentence of imprisonment is not inevitable, but one should be expected in most cases if you are guilty of producing steroids.

Importing Steroids

Steroid drugs are classified either as a “prohibited import” or a “Tier 1 prohibited good” under the Customs Act 1901 or the Customs Regulation 2015, depending on the quantity imported (less than 20 grams is a prohibited import, more than 20 grams is a Tier 1 prohibited good).

Importing a prohibited import without authority to do so is an offence under s 233 of the Customs Act.

The maximum penalty for an offence of importing a prohibited import is a fine of either 3 times the value of the goods imported without authority, or 1000 penalty units (whichever is the greater).

Importing Tier 1 prohibited good is a federal offence under a233BAA of the Customs Act.

The maximum penalty for importing a Tier 1 prohibited good is 5 years imprisonment and/or a fine not exceeding 1000 penalty units.

Will I Go To Jail For Importing Steroids?

If you are guilty of importing a Tier 1 prohibited good a sentence of imprisonment is not guaranteed, but it is likely. The likelihood of a jail sentence increases greatly in cases where the prosecution allege that the importing of the steroid drugs was for a commercial purpose (that is, for on-sale to others).

It is essential that a person charged with importing steroids (particularly as a Tier 1 prohibited good) obtains competent and specialist legal advice at an early stage.

If you require legal advice or representation in any legal matter, please contact Armstrong Legal.

Michelle Makela

This article was written by Michelle Makela

Michelle has over 15 years experience in the legal industry, working across commercial litigation, criminal law, family law and estate planning.  Michelle has been involved in all practice areas of the firm and in her personal practice has had experience in litigation at all levels (State and Federal Industrial Tribunals, the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal, the Federal Court, Federal...

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