A conspiracy is defined as an agreement between several people to commit an offence; in this case, the offence of supplying illegal drugs to others. This offence doesn't actually require the agreement itself to happen; the plan and intent for it to occur is enough on its own.

The 'supply' part of the offence requires only the passing of the illegal drugs from one individual to another, regardless of whether there is any money involved. You don't need to be in possession of the drugs to be charged with this offence as there will usually be other evidence which demonstrates the agreement, or conspiracy, such as messages or calls and a known association with others thought to be involved.

It is common for the prosecution to apply for a court order if you have been charged with an offence such as this, to essentially freeze your assets by obtaining a Restraining Order until the case or trial is concluded. This could have a significant impact on you and any dependents so it's vital to take expert legal advice and find out if this order could potentially be challenged.

If you are convicted of conspiracy to supply a Class A drug then the sentence may vary, depending on the circumstances involved, because every case is different. Your specific involvement and role in the conspiracy will be taken into account for the sentence imposed on you, along with other factors e.g. whether you were intimidated or threatened in order to be involved, whether you are classed as a vulnerable person and how you have cooperated with the investigation, but if convicted the offence will normally attract a custodial sentence.

The maximum sentence for this offence could potentially be life imprisonment, along with a significant fine. This type of sentence would usually be reserved for a leader of the conspiracy.

There is no guarantee of a minimum sentence for this offence, as the penalty given is designed to take a wide range of factors into account. Those who played a smaller role in the conspiracy, were coerced into the situation or are subject to other mitigating factors could expect a shorter sentence than those more heavily involved.

Your solicitor can help to determine if there are any factors involved that could potentially mean a shorter sentence for the conviction because of the individual circumstances involved, or in some cases, possibly even a suspended sentence.