Anabolic steroid use in Australia is prevalent. It is used primarily for muscle growth and strength gain. Steroids are illegal in Australia and, since 2014, have been reclassified as a narcotic. Accordingly, possession, supply or importation carry heavier penalties and could result in a full-time custodial sentence.
If you have been charged with possession of steroids, you should contact a top Sydney drug lawyer.
There are various penalties that apply in Australia for possession of steroids. In NSW, the penalty for possession is imprisonment of 2 years or a fine of $2 200.00. This is under section s10, DRUG MISUSE AND TRAFFICKING ACT 1985;
s10 Possession of prohibited drugs
(1) A person who has a prohibited drug in his or her possession is guilty of an offence.
Supply of steroids is considered a supply of a prohibited drug. The penalties for supply of steroids depend on the quantity. Below is a table to summarise the penalties;
|
Name |
Quantity |
Maximum Penalty |
|
Less than 50 grams |
Not more than 50 grams |
15 years imprisonment or 2000 penalty units or both |
|
Trafficable quantity |
Not more than 500 grams |
15 years imprisonment or 2000 penalty units or both |
|
Indictable quantity |
Not more than 750 grams |
15 years imprisonment or 2000 penalty units or both |
|
Less than Commercial quantity |
Not more than 5 kilograms |
15 years imprisonment or 2000 penalty units or both |
|
More than the commercial quantity |
More than 5 kilograms |
20 years imprisonment or 3500 penalty units or both |
|
Offence of supplying prohibited drugs on an ongoing basis |
Any |
20 years imprisonment or 3 500 penalty units or both |
In addition, the offence of importing steroids into Australia is a commonwealth offence and is covered by section 233BAA, CUSTOMS ACT 1901.
It states at subsection 4;
(4) A person commits an offence against this subsection if:
(a) the person intentionally imported goods; and
(b) the goods were tier 1 goods, and the person was reckless as to that fact; and
(c) their importation:
(i) was prohibited under this Act absolutely; or
(ii) was prohibited under this Act unless the approval of a particular
The maximum penalty for this offence is imprisonment for 5 years or 1,000 penalty units or both.
There are defences available for steroid offences. For example, for the charge of possession, having a prescription is a defence providing the prescription was issued before the charges were laid against you.
Further defences available are;
It is essential to obtain advice from an experienced criminal defence lawyer in considering your option if charged with steroid offences. You may have a valid defence, or you can negotiate the charges laid against you.
