The Drugs Offences Handbook provides a comprehensive, focused and concise analysis of the often complex evidential and litigation issues that relate to drugs cases.

The law relating to drugs has the broadest span of any specialist area within crime. Evidentially it includes the forensic examination of drugs themselves and evidence linking individuals to drugs, as well as cell site analysis, interrogation of computers and mobile telephones, police powers of search, and the utilisation of police ‘expert’ witnesses.

From a litigation perspective, drugs cases (together with financial crime) make up the vast majority of cases giving rise to money laundering and proceeds of crime issues. In complex supply and importation cases, the financial aspect frequently arises within the evidence as well.

Laid out in three broad sections covering Offences, Evidence and Post-conviction, The Drugs Offences Handbook provides expert guidance on key areas such as:

• Manufacture and cultivation - Importation - Possession and supply - Police powers of search and seizure - Sentencing and confiscation

With reference to all relevant legislation including the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016, the Drugs Act 2005, the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 as well as analysis of leading cases such as R v Hussain (Shabbir), R v Green and R v Wright, The Drugs Offences Handbook is an essential resource for criminal law practitioners as well as professionals such as drugs agencies, counselling agencies and expert witnesses.

Tim Moloney QC, Tom Stevens, Paul Mason, Abigail Bright and Harriet Johnson are all members of Doughty Street Chambers.

Steven Bird is the founder and director of Birds Solicitors.

The Criminal Practice Series is a series of practical court-style guides covering a number of discrete, specialist areas. They assist users to identify cases, rules and regulations relevant to the specific topic quickly and easily. For more information please visit www.bloomsburyprofessional.com/criminal