Under the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA), some (not all) offences have two types - a basic offence and an aggravated offence. Of these two types, the aggravated offence will have a higher maximum penalty. A higher penalty may also apply to offences committed by an offender classified as a serious drug offender - see Serious Drug Offenders below.

An aggravated offence is an offence where:

Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA) s 43.

The ways in which a person may identify themselves as belonging to, or being associated with, a criminal organisation are not limited. One example is that a person will be taken to have identified themselves as belonging to or being associated with a criminal organisation if the person displayed (whether on an article of clothing, as a tattoo or otherwise) the insignia of the criminal organisation, unless the person proves that they did not display the insignia knowingly or recklessly [s 43(2)].

What is a criminal organisation?

There are three definitions of a criminal organisation [Part 3B Criminal Law Consolidation Act 1935 (SA)].

A 'serious offence of violence' involves:

(a) the death of or serious harm to a person, or a risk of the death of or serious harm to, a person; or

(b) serious damage to property in circumstances involving a risk of the death of or harm to a person; or

(c) perverting the course of justice in relation to any of the above conduct.

A serious offence is an indictable offence that is punishable by imprisonment for life or for a term of 5 years or more.

Serious Drug Offenders

Many offences in the Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA) will contain a penalty that applies where a basic offence is committed by a serious drug offender. These penalties are higher than the ordinary basic offence penalty and are often the same as the penalties that apply to aggravated offences.

A serious drug offender is an offender who has, within 10 years of the commission of the offence, previously been convicted of:

See Controlled Substances Act 1984 (SA) s 4(7a).