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Illicit Drugs Penalties - New Zealand Police

Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 - Penalties

Below is a table outlining the penalties for drug offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act Act.

Class A Class B Class C
Drug Methamphetamine, Magic Mushrooms, Cocaine, Heroin, LSD (Acid) Cannabis Oil, Hashish, Morphine, Opium, Ecstasy and many Amphetamine types substances. Cannabis Seed, Cannabis Plant
Codeine Possession 6 months jail 3 months jail and/or $500 fine 3 months jail and/or $500 fine
Supply or Manufacture Life imprisonment 14 years imprisonment On indictment: 8 years imprisonment Or Summarily: 1 year jail and/or $1,000 fine.
Allowing your premises or motor vehicle ro be used in the commission of an offence against this Act On indictment: 10 years jail. Summarily: 2 years and/or 1,000 fine On indictment: 7 years jail. Summarily: One year and/or $1,000 fine On indictment: 3 years jail OR Summarily: 6 months jail and/or $500 fine

Other Offences

Possession of instruments (Found with a pipe, bong, needles, syringes, spotting knife); 1 year and/or $500 fine.

Cultivation of Cannabis (Includes to sow or plant); On indictment: 7 years imprisonment OR Summarily: 2 years jail and/or $2,000 fine (depending on the amount).

For a more detailed version of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975 see the National Drug Policy.

Youth offenders

Youth offenders under the age of 17, are not subject to the same penalties as adults (i.e those people 17 and over). For more information on the youth drug court, see:

See also: FAQ - How does the NZ law define use, possession, cultivating and trafficking?