section 4(3)(b) of, and Schedule 4 to, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Concerned in the supply of a Class A controlled drug

One reference for Cocaine, Heroin. Each is the same offence under the same section and carries the same maximum penalty — the substance is the only difference. Every variant below keeps its own statutory reference, points to prove and sources, verified against legislation.gov.uk (current revised versions, July 2026).

Cocaine

Offence: section 4(3)(b) of, and Schedule 4 to, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Mode of trial & maximum penalty: Either way — Summary: 6/12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine; Indictment: life imprisonment

Points to prove

  • 1. A controlled drug was supplied to another person in contravention of s 4(1) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
  • 2. The drug supplied was cocaine, a controlled drug of Class A
  • 3. The defendant was concerned in the supplying of the drug, i.e. took some identifiable part in the supply
  • 4. The defendant knew the nature of the enterprise, i.e. that it involved the supply of a controlled drug (R v Hughes (1985) 81 Cr App R 344)

Sources

Heroin

Offence: section 4(3)(b) of, and Schedule 4 to, the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971

Mode of trial & maximum penalty: Either way — Summary: 6/12 months' imprisonment and/or a fine; Indictment: life imprisonment

Points to prove

  • 1. A controlled drug was supplied to another person in contravention of s 4(1) Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
  • 2. The drug supplied was diamorphine (heroin), a controlled drug of Class A
  • 3. The defendant was concerned in the supplying of the drug, i.e. took some identifiable part in the supply
  • 4. The defendant knew the nature of the enterprise, i.e. that it involved the supply of a controlled drug (R v Hughes (1985) 81 Cr App R 344)

Sources

Reference only — verify against current legislation and force policy before charge. Spotted an error? Tell us.

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