Crime
Case note: producing dangerous drugs and stealing
Published · Updated
The charges
Two counts of producing dangerous drugs, and one count of stealing.
Producing a dangerous drug is an offence under section 8 of the Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld). Depending on the drug and the quantity involved, the maximum penalty runs to 25 years imprisonment. The stealing charge related to electricity used to run the equipment.
The background
Police searched a residential house and located a hydroponic set-up together with a substantial number of cannabis plants and a quantity of harvested material. An arrest followed.
What was done
On instructions, the evidence connecting the client to the operation was examined and the gaps in it were put to police prosecutions in discussions.
On a production charge the prosecution has to establish more than presence at an address. Who set the equipment up, who maintained it and who had control of the premises are all separate questions.
The result
The charges were discontinued for want of evidence.
That outcome reflected the particular evidence available in that matter. Every matter turns on its own facts, and nothing here suggests the same result is available in another case.
Last reviewed 3 August 2026 by the TWC Lawyers team. Queensland penalty units and court fees are indexed on 1 July each year. Check current figures before you rely on them, or ask us.