Heroin, Cocaine, and Ice trafficking updated in the Sentencing Calculator
The Sentencing Calculator has been updated following the Court of Appeal’s latest sentencing guideline in HKSAR v Huang Ruifang (黃瑞芳) [2025] HKCA 234
New Sentencing Guideline for Cocaine, Heroin, and Ice
The Court of Appeal seized a rare opportunity, in a case that spanned over eight years, to review the sentencing guidelines for cocaine, heroin, and ice. In this unusual decision, the sentence for trafficking an exceptionally large quantity of drugs was reduced.
Tightened control of “space oil”
Vaping with “space oil” will now face grave consequences as the compounds are now classified as dangerous drugs in Hong Kong.
The 3 Steps in Drug Possession Sentence
Drug possession is a serious crime. In sentencing a drug user, the court follows a 3 steps approach which takes into account the latent risk of the drugs finding their way to others. Such a factor can substantially lengthen the term of imprisonment.
The Disappeared
An absconded defendant is still sentenced to the prevailing policy at the time of the offence commission, even though the sentencing guidelines have changed.
The 6 Steps Affirmed
In a record-breaking drug bust, a man received the lengthiest sentence in Hong Kong history. On appeal, the court reviewed the sentencing principles of substantial quantities of drugs and clarified how the 6-step in Herry Jane Yusuph should be applied.
The 6 Steps in Drug Trafficking Sentence
The Court of Appeal summarised decades of Hong Kong’s experience in the fight against dangerous drugs and clarified how traffickers are sentenced.
Lengthened Sentence for Trafficking Herbal Cannibals and More
Trafficking in herbal cannabis used to be seen as less serious than its resin, resulting in a shorter term of imprisonment. This is no longer the case.
Tighter Control on Date Rape Drugs
The Court of Appeal recently laid down a sentencing guideline for trafficking in GHB and GHL – common date rape drugs.