Which statute makes it unlawful to import or export controlled drugs without lawful authority?

• A. S3 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
• B. Criminal Justice Act 1988
• C. S170 CEMA 1979
• D. Proceeds of Crime Act 2002

Answer: (C)

The rule being tested is that moving regulated substances across borders is tightly controlled under customs law. The specific offence of importing or exporting controlled drugs without lawful authority is created by the Customs and Excise Management Act 1979, in section 170. This section targets offences relating to goods that require authorization; controlled drugs are treated as goods that require proper authority to import or export. If someone brings in or sends out controlled drugs without the appropriate license or permission, they commit an offence under this provision. The idea is to ensure border movement of such drugs is tightly regulated, with the necessary licenses typically tied to the broader drug-control framework.

The other statutes cited govern different areas: the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 sets out offences connected with the possession, production, and supply of controlled drugs, not the act of crossing borders. The Criminal Justice Act 1988 covers broader criminal law, and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 deals with confiscation of illicit gains, not the act of import/export itself.