Author: Bill Doogue
Practice area: Commonwealth offences
Bill is a founding Director of Doogue + George, ranked by Doyle's Guide as a Preeminent Criminal Defence Lawyer in Victoria (2026) and an LIV Accredited Criminal Law Specialist since 1998 with over 30 years of experience in complex criminal and corporate matters. His depth of experience in this area means clients receive accurate, considered advice.
View full profile →Bill authored this content and last revised it for accuracy on 6 August 2026.
What is the offence of Possessing Controlled Precursors?
Possessing Controlled Precursors is a Commonwealth drug offence under section 308.2 of the Criminal Code Act 1995 (Cth). It criminalises holding regulated chemical substances that are linked to the unlawful production of controlled drugs within Australia’s federal drug control regime.
Key points
- Essential elements: Possession of a controlled precursor and intention to use it to manufacture a controlled drug
- Usual court level: Commonwealth matters are heard in state courts, depending on the seriousness of the allegations
The maximum penalty for Possessing Controlled Precursors is 2 years’ imprisonment or 400 penalty units ($83,640 as at 2026-27), or both.
Common defences may include Disputing possession, disputing that the substance is a controlled precursor, absence of intention to manufacture a controlled drug, lack of required authorisation, mental impairment, duress, honest and reasonable mistake of belief, impossibility, and failure of the prosecution to prove the charge beyond reasonable doubt.
Have you been accused of Possessing Controlled Precursors?
Police Interview
If the Police are interviewing you in relation to Possessing Controlled Precursors, they likely have already gathered evidence against you. It important to understand that a Police interview is not an opportunity for you to explain something that is suggested to you and talk your way out of an allegation. The interview is used by police to fill gaps in their own narrative. It may be used in Court later to show that you are inconsistent in your explanation of events and are therefore, not credible.
Don’t help the Police make out their allegations against you by making comments they will only use to support their case.
You should speak to a lawyer and get legal advice before beginning an interview with Police. We can attend the interview with you if necessary. Call us to arrange a conference before you attend a Police station for an interview.
Pleading Not Guilty
If you are contesting a charge of Possessing Controlled Precursors, you must not discuss the allegations over the phone or social media. The police may be monitoring your communications and will keep track of your communications.
Our lawyers are experts in running jury trails. We have in-house counsel who can represent you in Court through every stage. All our lawyers work extremely hard to look for flaws in the police case and request relevant disclosure material which can increase your chances of an acquittal. The prosecution must prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
Pleading Guilty
If you are pleading guilty, the Court must be informed of the circumstances surrounding your offending and any factors that help explain your conduct.
Our experienced criminal defence lawyers appear in plea hearings in the Magistrates’, County, and Supreme Courts on a daily basis. We understand how to effectively present your case and make persuasive submissions to ensure you receive the fairest outcome possible.
Contact our team today to discuss your situation and how we can help you achieve the best possible result.
Which court will the case be heard in?
Commonwealth criminal matters are heard in state courts. Which court that is will be dictated by the severity of the allegations.
Examples of Possessing Controlled Precursors
- A search warrant is found and a homemade drug lab is found set up inside a house. Ephedrine, a chemical materials to make methylamphetamine , is found inside the property.
- A person if found in possession of isosafrole, a precursor chemical required to make ecstasy.
What is the legal definition of Possessing Controlled Precursors?
308.2 Possessing controlled precursors
- A person commits an offence if:
- the person possesses a substance; and
- the person intends to use any of the substance to manufacture a controlled drug; and
- the substance is a controlled precursor.
Penalty: Imprisonment for 2 years or 400 penalty units, or both.
Legislation
The legislation for this offence can be found on section 308.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code Act 1995.
Elements of the offence
The Prosecution must show that the accused possessed a substance which required authorisation and the possession was not authorised. The accused is taken to have possessed the substance with the intention of using some or all of the substance to manufacture a controlled drug.
Defences
Defences to this could be a factual dispute, that the accused did not possess a substance, that the substance did not require authorisation for possession, or that the accused did not intend to use the substance to manufacture a controlled drug. A criminal defence lawyer may also use mental impairment, duress, honest and reasonable mistake of belief, impossibility, lack of intent, and the concept of beyond reasonable doubt.
Questions in cases like this
- Is the precursor a controlled substance?
- Were you permitted to be in possession of the precursor?
- Were you in possession of the precursor?
Have you been accused of possessing chemicals to make illicit drugs?
You should ring us and discuss your case if you have been charged. Deciding on whether to plead guilty or not has important implications for you and should be made after proper discussions with a criminal lawyer.
Maximum penalty for section 308.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995
The maximum penalty for Possessing Controlled Precursors (section 308.2 of the Commonwealth Criminal Code 1995) is imprisonment for 2 years or 400 penalty units ($83,640 as at 2026-27), or both.
