PEDDUNG OF DRUGS

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32360, 28 July 1970, Page 21

PEDDUNG OF DRUGS

N.S.W. Raises Penalties (N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent) SYDNEY, July 26. A bill to provide harsbei gaol terms for drug pedlar: will be submitted to the Nev South Wales State Parliamen next month. Under the amendments t< the Poisons Act the offence: of supplying or selling pre pared opium, Indian hemp drugs of addiction or prohi bited drugs will incur a maxi mum penalty of 10 years im prisonment The present maximum is i $2OOO fine or two years gaol The bill will also increasi the maximum penalty for un lawful supply or sale of re stricted substances, such a barbiturates, to a maximun of a $2OOO fine or imprison ment for up to two years, o both. The present maximun is an $BOO fine or six month gaol. An important provision o the bill will enable differen tlation between addict* am pedlars. In future, unlawful posses sion of prohibited drugs o drugs of addiction “In exces of prescribed amounts" wil constitute evidence of posses sion for the purpose of sale distribution or supply. The onus will be on th< accused to prove that then was a legitimate ground fo such possession.