Abstract:
In this article the authors provide a comprehensive overview of the sentences handed
down by the courts over the past decade for various offences invulving drugs such as
cannabis, opium, heroin, cocaine, methaqualone (mandrax), methamphetamine
hydrochloride (ICE) , and methylenedioxy methamphetamine (MDMA or ecstacy).
The authors consider general principles of sentencing and draw out distinct principles
and factors specific to drug offences and offenders. They also identify the range
of sentences given for trafficking, possession and manufacturing of drugs. This
analysis provides useful information for legal practitioners, magistrates and judges, when dealing with drug related offences in Hong Kong.
