Possession with intent to supply is a serious criminal offence under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It means being found in possession of controlled drugs — such as cocaine, heroin, cannabis, or other substances — where the police or prosecution believe those drugs were intended for someone else, rather than for your own personal use.
This offence applies to all classes of drugs (A, B, and C). It doesn’t require an actual sale to have taken place; the “intent to supply” can be inferred from the quantity of drugs, the way they were packaged, the presence of cash, phones, scales, or messages suggesting dealing activity.
Why these cases are serious
Possession with intent to supply is treated by the courts as more serious than simple possession because it implies dealing or distribution. Sentences can range from community orders to lengthy prison terms depending on the drug type, quantity, and role alleged — whether someone is seen as a street-level dealer, courier, or organiser.
However, not every person found with drugs is involved in supply. It’s common for police to assume intent based purely on amount or circumstance. Some people may share drugs socially or hold them for others without any intent to sell. Others may have been pressured or exploited by more serious offenders. That’s why it’s vital to have a solicitor who can properly test the evidence and put your account across clearly.
Why you need a solicitor
A good Criminal Defence Solicitor will make sure that your case is handled fairly and that every assumption about intent is properly challenged. They will:
- Find out exactly what drugs were seized and how the police say they were found.
- Ensure that stop, search, and seizure procedures were carried out lawfully under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (PACE).
- Review all evidence such as phone downloads, text messages, and financial records to see whether it genuinely supports an intent to supply.
- Examine forensic reports for purity, weight, and handling issues that could affect reliability.
- Explore whether you were holding the drugs for personal use, under pressure, or on behalf of someone else.
- Instruct independent forensic or digital experts where needed to test police conclusions.
- Work with experienced Criminal Defence Barristers or King’s Counsel to prepare your defence, challenge the prosecution’s interpretation, and advise you clearly on plea and sentence options.
Having the right solicitor early on can make a huge difference — particularly before charge, when representations can sometimes prevent a case from going to court at all.
If you have any questions about possession with intent to supply, police searches, or the court process — or if you need help identifying a solicitor experienced in drug cases — please contact us using the links below.