In the Mackay Supreme Court, Van Dung Vu has plead not guilty to possessing more than 200 grams of dangerous drugs and possession of a mobile phone that was used in the commission of a crime.

Mr Vu was arrested two (2) years ago after the Australian Border Force found a package containing 3.3 kilograms of heroin in disposable gloves that was being sent to a Mackay business. The value of the drugs is estimated at nearly $1 million.

The matter has been listed for a Trial in the Mackay Supreme Court which will occur in May 2023.

If found guilty of the offence Mr Vu faces a maximum penalty of 25 years imprisonment.

The amount of drugs is significantly high meaning it was unable to be dealt with in the Magistrates Court and the matter has completed the committal process through to the Supreme Court.

The Drugs Misuse Regulations 1987 (Qld) in schedule 3 and 4 specify the quantities of dangerous drugs which an offender can be caught with and still have dealt with in the Magistrates Court. If the amount is over the quantity outlined in these Schedules than the matter must proceed on committal and progress to the Supreme Court to proceed by either Trial or Sentence.

The maximum penalty for offences which exceed Schedule 3 or 4 is respectively 25 years imprisonment.

If the amount an offender is caught in possession of is under the amount in Schedule 3 or 4 the maximum penalty is 15 years imprisonment which is still significantly high.

If you have been charged with Possession of a Dangerous Drug you should seek legal assistance with your matter.

Our team specialise in criminal defence. Our role is to sit down with you and work out the strategy that will get you the best possible result. If you have any questions about this article or any other topic of law, please call our team of experts on 1300 066 669.