Drug Defence lawyers specialising in defending drugs allegations (London & Manchester)
Olliers Solicitors has significant experience in defending people accused of all types of drugs offences. Matt Corn is the head of our Serious Crime Department and is supported by Alex Close-Claughton. Both have wide-ranging experience in dealing with clients accused of drug offences. They lead a team of 26 qualified criminal lawyers, one of the largest and most experienced teams in the country.
Our senior lawyers are all leaders in their field. Olliers is ranked as a top tier law firm by both the authoritative guides to the legal profession, namely the Legal 500 2025 and Chambers Guide 2025. We are a Times Best Law Firm 2025. We are the Manchester Legal Awards 2024 Crime Team of the Year retaining the title from 2023, an award we have won seven times since 2011.
If you are arrested for a drug offence you should always contact a solicitor for advice.
Drugs legislation is still largely governed by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The illegal drugs fall into Classes A, B or C. The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 is also relevant.
Drug offences vary in terms of seriousness. At the bottom end, it can be simple possession – e.g. a small wrap of cannabis for personal use, and at the top end it can be commercial-scale operations involving the supply of significant quantities of drugs.
Being concerned in the supply of drugs
This offence covers those who are involved in the supply of drugs but aren’t necessarily in possession of them. An example of this might be driving someone around who you know is supplying drugs. Alternatively, it could be someone who acts as a middleman, introducing the supplier to the customer.
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Possession with intent to supply
This is when someone is in possession of a drug and they are intending to supply it to another person/people. This could be social supply to friends or it could be looking after drugs for another person. It could include street dealing or alternatively it could be couriering drugs from one location to another.
Production of drugs
The most common form of this is the production of cannabis, which is also known cultivation of cannabis. Cultivation of cannabis can be something as small as one plant for personal use to a full commercial-scale cannabis farm. Other drugs that are routinely produced in the UK include MDMA and amphetamine. This often takes place in an ad hoc lab and involves combining chemicals and creating reactions in order to produce the desired drug.
Conspiracy
Often where there is more than one person suspected of drugs offences, the prosecution will charge the case as a Conspiracy. This simply means an ‘agreement’ to do something. Typically, there might be a conspiracy to supply or produce drugs. The conspiracy would include persons occupying various different roles – street dealing, storing drugs, passing on telephone messages from suppliers to customers, couriering drugs, mixing drugs, or at a higher level it might include those directing and organising a supply network. At the highest end, there might be a conspiracy to import drugs.
County Lines in drugs cases
‘County lines’ is the name for the process of supplying drugs from one, usually more urbanised, area to another. The clandestine operation, also known as ‘going county,’ will typically involve urban drug dealers expanding their reach into smaller suburban or rural areas. These areas may or may not already have an existing drug problem. Olliers has significant experience in dealing with cases involving ‘county lines’
The National Crime Agency (NCA) and police have identified that city-based drug networks are extending their drug dealing activity into new areas, many of which are coastal and market towns. It is often alleged that organised networks have recruited vulnerable individuals to assist in the enterprise.
Cuckooing
A key feature of country lines drugs offences is cuckooing. This usually involves commandeering an address usually occupied by a vulnerable person as a base for drug supply activities.
Networks may use violence or coercion to occupy the premises. The property is used by the network to cut and store drugs and despatch drug runners to perform a deal.
Modern Slavery in drugs cases
In certain cases it may be possible to establish a defence under Modern Slavery legislation. This applies if there is sufficient evidence that a vulnerable person was exploited or groomed into their involvement in drug supply. Alternatively, if the defendant pleads guilty and their lawyer makes carefully considered submissions on sentence highlighting their lesser role this could, when combined with credit for a guilty plea, result in them avoiding an immediate prison sentence.
Watch Matthew Corn, Serious Crime Partner, discussing conspiracy offences
Very often we are contacted by people who have been arrested or even charged with offences involving the word conspiracy, a lot of people are alarmed by that word as they imagine it to be far more serious than it may actually be. What a conspiracy is an agreement to do something, very often people are charged with conspiracy to rob or conspiracy to burgle and perhaps the most common of all in such cases are conspiracy to supply drugs. In such cases you should seek the urgent advice of a solicitor such as Olliers, who have great deal of experience in such cases. Probably the best way to illustrate what a conspiracy might be in a drugs case for example, is, the prosecution may allege that a conspiracy took place over a wide period of time and involved a number of individuals. It may be alleged that you are the ringleader of that group, it may be alleged that you are nothing more than a storekeeper, or it may be alleged that you are a courier. In all such cases, we can assist and we have a great deal of experience so you should contact Olliers in such matters.
Class A drugs
These include heroin, cocaine, ‘crack’, MDMA or ‘ecstasy’, LSD. Offences involving these drugs carry higher sentences upon conviction. Almost inevitably, offences involving class A drugs will be dealt with in the crown court and can result in custodial sentences of some length depending on the amount of drugs and the role performed by the individual.
Class B drugs
Typically, these would include amphetamine, cannabis, and ketamine. Sentences .will be less than class A drugs but they can still result in custodial sentences and are based on the amounts and the role played by the accused.
Class C drugs
These could include diazepam, nandralone, testosterone, temazepam. These are less serious offences and sentences would reflect this however if the amounts were significant and commercially based, this would aggravate any sentence to be passed.
What evidence is used in drugs cases?
The prosecution present their evidence in drugs cases in a variety of ways, not just exhibiting the drugs actually recovered in a case. Evidence might include:
- Debt lists recovered
- Drug paraphernalia seized such as bags, scales
- surveillance observations,
- telephone contact between relevant parties,
- cell site analysis showing the locations of people’s phones,
- ANPR data to show movements of cars used by accused persons,
- Covertly recorded conversations from vehicles or properties.
- Forensic/ DNA evidence linking a person to drugs or phones used in the drug related activity
- Movement of money and or Cash seizures
How can Olliers help me if I face a drugs charge?
Sometimes it is necessary for us to instruct experts to deal with aspects of the prosecution evidence or to assist in the presentation of defence evidence.
Matt Corn and Alex Close-Claughton specialise in and undertake the bulk of such drugs cases at Olliers and can advise in relation to all aspects of drugs offences. They also instruct a selected number of trusted barristers at chambers approved by Olliers.
Sentencing drugs offences
The courts are assisted by sentencing guidelines which are in existence for all types of drug offences. Typically the guidelines will be used to determine whether a drugs offence (whether class A B or C) is a Category 1, 2, 3 or 4 based on the amount. Then one turns to the role of the accused – lesser (e.g. person who waters a cannabis plant under instruction), significant (street dealer, courier, storekeeper, manager of production) or leading (organiser, financier, beneficiary). The roles and categories are fluid in that a person could be said to be a high significant or a low leading role.
Click here to read more about sentencing in relation to drugs allegations.
Watch serious crime specialist solicitor Matt Corn discussing the importance of using a specialist criminal solicitor if you face serious criminal charges.
If you’re charged with a serious criminal offence that can only be dealt within the Crown Court, then you require effective representation. At Olliers we have considerable experience in dealing with such cases for, example you may be charged with a drugs related offence, firearms, violence, or it may be a financial crime such as money laundering, or serious fraud. You may for example be charged with a conspiracy with other people, or you may be charged on the basis of a joint enterprise. Our approach at Olliers is is to analyse the evidence that is served by the prosecution in detail and explain it to you and go through it with you. The evidence may come in a variety of ways for example, it may be telephone evidence and data, it may be email evidence, it may be CCTV, it may be forensics, or it may be accounting evidence. Once we’ve gone through that evidence with you, we take your instructions so that we are ready for the next stage of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
The answer to this question is not a simple one, it will depend on the offence, the class and quantity of drug. Just because it’s your first offence doesn’t automatically mean you will avoid prison. If you are convicted of being in possession of a relatively small amount of any class of drug, yes you are likely to avoid prison. You may even be cautioned by the police instead of appearing in to court. If you are convicted of supplying a Class C or B drug, you are at risk of a prison sentence but could still avoid it depending on the quantities involved. If you are convicted of supplying a Class A drug you are at significant risk of going to prison, even in low quantities. The judge will take into account your lack of previous convictions when they sentence you but it may not stop them from sending you to prison if they think the offence is serious enough.
The best way to avoid prison if you are accused of suppling Class A drugs is to take the case to trial and win. However often the strength of the evidence means that the most sensible option is to plead guilty. A person awaiting sentence for supplying or being concerned in the supply of class A drugs will usually expect a prison sentence. However, it is not unheard of for people to avoid prison. The sentencing guidelines that judges use to determine sentences indicate that those convicted of an offence relating to the supply of drugs directly to users will usually receive a prison sentence. However if not supplying directly to users, with low quantities and/or the offender is placed into a ‘lesser role,’ with credit for a guilty plea and good personal mitigation it may be possible to receive a suspended sentence.
In short yes it is. The offence of possession with intent to supply does not require any money to change hands. It is simply when one person ‘supplies’ drugs to other people. If you pick up some drugs for a Technically the act of passing a cannabis joint to a friend is supplying them with cannabis, even if the joint was passed to you by someone else and it wasn’t yours in the first place. This can be extrapolated up to more serious offending. Someone who knowingly looks after a larger quantity drugs for someone else and then gives it back to them or another person is guilty of supplying. The fact that there was no financial reward for the supply would be taken into consideration by a judge when sentencing but it certainly doesn’t amount to a defence.
We represent clients across the full spectrum of drug offences including possession, possession with intent to supply, production or cultivation, importation and conspiracy offences involving controlled substances such as cannabis, cocaine, heroin, ecstasy, and psychoactive substances.
If you have been arrested for a drugs offence you should seek specialist legal advice immediately. Our team is available 24/7 to represent you at the police station. Early legal advice can significantly affect the outcome of your case. Contact Olliers Solicitors as soon as possible to protect your rights.
Yes. We provide expert representation from the moment of arrest through to police interviews, Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, and beyond if necessary. Our team is experienced in handling drugs cases at every stage of the criminal justice process.
Sentences vary widely depending on the class of drug, the quantity involved, and the nature of the offence. They can range from a caution or community order to lengthy custodial sentences. We work to minimise the consequences for our clients and explore all options for diversion and mitigation.
A leading role is a role that an offender can be placed into when a judge decides on sentence for a drugs case. It will attract a longer sentence relative to the amount of drugs than a significant or lesser role. The following features are likely to attract a leading role-
- directing or organising buying and selling on a commercial scale;
- substantial links to, and influence on, others in a chain;
- close links to original source;
- expectation of substantial financial gain;
- uses business as cover;
- abuses a position of trust or responsibility.
A lesser role is a role that a person is placed into by a judge when determining sentence in a drugs case. It attracts a lesser sentence than a significant role or leading role.
The following features of a case will result in a lesser role – performs a limited function under direction;
- engaged by pressure, coercion, intimidation;
- involvement through naivety/exploitation;
- no influence on those above in a chain;
- very little, if any, awareness or understanding of the scale of operation;
- if own operation, solely for own use (considering reasonableness of account in all the circumstances).
A significant role is a role that a person can be placed into by a judge when they decide on sentence. A significant role will attract a lesser sentence than a leading role but a higher sentence than a lesser role.
The following features in a case will result in a significant role- operational or management function within a chain;
- involves others in the operation whether by pressure, influence, intimidation or reward;
- motivated by financial or other advantage, whether or not operating alone;
- some awareness and understanding of scale of operation.
Yes, a conviction for a drug offence will be recorded on your criminal record. However, depending on the outcome and type of sentence, it may become ‘spent’ after a certain period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.
We offer both legal aid (where eligible) and privately funded options. We will provide clear and transparent advice on costs from the outset and keep you informed throughout.
Yes. A conviction can have serious implications for employment, especially in regulated professions, and may impact your ability to travel to certain countries. We always consider the wider consequences and advise clients accordingly.
Recent drugs cases
- 2025: Preston Crown Court – Operation Westchester; Representing defendant in an ‘encrochat’ case of Conspiracy to produce and to supply Class B drugs
- 2025: Operation Golf – Minshull Street Crown Court – Representing defendant in multi-handed conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
- 2025: Operation Combat – Manchester Crown Court; representing defendant charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs (Encrochat case)
- 2024: Operation Frozen – Represented defendant at Preston Crown Court accused of a ‘county lines’ style conspiracy to supply Class A drugs from the Manchester area into Barrow-in-Furness. Defendant found not guilty at trial.
- 2024: Operation Rockingham – Preston Crown Court; representing defendant charged in multi handed conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
- 2024: R v Z Manchester Crown Court – representing defendant charged with conspiracy to import and supply Class A drugs
- 2023: Operation Highgate – Represented defendant for Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs between Liverpool and Preston.
- 2023: R v A and others – Represented defendant charged with drug supply and modern slavery offences. Defendant acquitted of all counts.
- 2023: R v Z – Norwich Crown Court; representing a defendant charged on a “County Lines” conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2022: Operation Kamina – Represented defendant accused of Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs across Manchester and the Northwest.
- 2022: Operation Casino – Represented defendant accused of a nationwide Conspiracy to Supply Class A and B Drugs.
- Operation Lagotto – 2022: Manchester Crown Court; representing defendant in multi handed conspiracy to supply class A and B drugs.
- Operation Ceramic 2022: Manchester Crown Court – representing a defendant in multi handed conspiracy to supply cannabis.
- 2021: Operation Praslin – Represented defendant accused of a conspiracy to supply large quantities of Class A drugs.
- 2021: Operation Erath – Represented defendant involved in large scale multi-handed drugs conspiracy.
- 2021: Operation Rampur – Manchester Crown Court – representing defendant in multi handed conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
- 2021: R v F – Minshull Street Crown Court – representing defendant charged with supplying Class A drugs and producing cannabis.
- 2020: Operation Erath 3 – Manchester Crown Court; representing defendant charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs.
- 2020: Operation Malling – Minshull Street Crown Court, representing defendant in multi handed allegation of supplying Class A drugs.
- 2020: Operation Nimrod – Southwark Crown Court. Representing defendant charged with supplying large quantities of Class C drugs.
- 2020: Operation Erbium – Sheffield Crown Court; representing defendant charged with conspiring to supply Class A drugs and transferring firearms.
- 2020: Operation Brutus – Warwick Crown Court; representing defendant charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2020: Operation Malling – Minshull Street Crown Court, representing defendant in multi handed allegation of supplying Class A drugs
- 2020: R v A – Sheffield Crown Court, representing defendant charged with conspiracy to supply firearms, ammunition, Class A drugs and also money laundering.
- 2020: Operation Release – Representing defendant before Exeter Crown Court charged with attempted murder, and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2019: R v A and O. Represented two defendants charged with conspiracy to supply Class A and B drugs before Manchester Crown Court.
- 2019 –20: Operation Buster; representing defendant charged as part of a multi handed importation, supply and production of Class A and B drugs before Leicester Crown Court.
- 2018: Operation Cosmetic – Manchester Crown Court representing defendant charged with a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and possession of a firearms.
- 2018-2019: Operation Blush – Liverpool Crown Court. Representing defendant charged with conspiracy to possess firearms and to supply Class A and B drugs.
- 2019 – 20: Operation Quartz –Manchester Crown Court. Representing defendant charged with production of amphetamine.
- 2018-2019: Operation Hemisphere – Sheffield Crown Court. Represented defendants charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2017: Operation Crew – Nottingham Crown Court. Represented defendant in multi handed conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2017: Operation Legend – Manchester Crown Court. Represented defendant in large scale drugs and money laundering conspiracy.
- 2017: Operation Jasper – Preston Crown Court. Represented defendant in multi handed large scale conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2017: Operation Crackle 3 – Birmingham Crown Court. Represented defendant in conspiracy to supply heroin allegation.
- 2016-17: Operation Afterburn II – Portsmouth Crown Court. Represented two defendants in a multi handed conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2016 : Operation Quad – Norwich Crown Court. Represented defendant in a conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2015-16: Operation Calzone – Northampton Crown Court. Represented one of 19 defendants charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2015: Operation Measure – Caernarfon Crown Court. Represented defendant in multi handed conspiracy to supply Class A drugs.
- 2015: Operation Destiny – Leeds Crown Court. Represented two defendants charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and money laundering.
- 2015: Operation Wreckage – Manchester Crown Court. Represented defendant charged with conspiracy to supply Class B drugs.
Contact a specialist drugs lawyer? (London & Manchester)
If you or a family member are facing a drugs allegation, contact Matt Corn or Matthew Claughton to discuss your case on 0161 834 1515, email us at info@olliers.com or complete the form below.
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