Knowing Drugs and the Law

Welcome to helpful information on the law and drugs. The following will help you to:

1. Understand the laws that govern different drugs;
2. Understand your rights if suspected of possession of drugs, or possession with intent to supply a controlled substance.

The Misuse of Drugs Law Act divides drugs into the following 3 classes:

Class A

• Cocaine, crack, crystal meth, ecstasy, heroin, LSD (acid), magic mushrooms, methadone, opium, and any class B drug prepared for injection;
• Less common substances: dextromoramide (e.g. Palfium), dipipanone, fentanyl, mescaline, pethidine, PCP, all parts of the seeds of the opium poppy (after mowing);
• Maximum penalties: seven years in prison and/or a fine for possession, life imprisonment and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply.

Class B

• Amphetamines (speed), barbiturates, codeine. This class also includes the following less common substances: dexamphetamine, dihydrocodeine (DF0118), methaqualone, methylphenidate hydrochloride (Ritalin), phenmetrazine (Filon);
• Maximum penalties: five years in prison and/or a fine for possession, 14 years in prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply.

Class C

• Cannabis, ketamine, some tranquillizers like Diazepam, the supply of anabolic steroids;
• Maximum penalties: two years in prison and/or a fine for possession, five years prison and/or a fine for possession with intent to supply. If approved by parliament, Cannabis will be reclassified as a Class B drug in 2009.

These penalties are given in a Crown Court. In a Magistrates Court, where less serious offences are dealt with, the maximum sentence is six months imprisonment and a £5000 fine. The actual sentence you're likely to get will also depend on:

• The drug involved;
• Any previous criminal record;
• Your personal circumstances (i.e. being a single parent);
• The attitude of the presiding magistrate/judge.
• Some other drugs are controlled by the Medicines Act. It may not be illegal to possess drugs such as prescription medicines, GHB (gammahydroxybutyrate) but supply is still an offence.

Other drug laws, most drugs are covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act. These ones aren't:

• Alcohol: There are lots of laws about alcohol, covering where it can be sold, who too, and where you can drink it.
• Solvents: It is not illegal to use, but a shopkeeper can be prosecuted for selling a solvent to under-18s who they know will use it for sniffing;
• Cigarettes: It is illegal for a shopkeeper to knowingly sell to under-18s. However, it is not illegal for under-18s to smoke;
• Amyl nitrates (poppers): Amyl nitrate is a prescription-only medicine. Possession is not an offence, but supply is restricted by the Medicines Act. Butyl and Isobutyl nitrate are not restricted in any way. The stuff available from jokes and sex shops is usually butyl or isobutyl nitrate. If any amyl nitrate is present, however, then supply is restricted. Use is not.

Drug testing on arrest

• If you're arrested and taken to a police station, you may be tested to find out if you've taken any Class A drugs. You may be tested if you've been arrested for a 'trigger offence'. Trigger offences include street robbery, burglary, car theft, handling stolen goods or supplying drugs.
• A person cannot be forced to provide a sample for testing, but it is an offence to refuse to provide a sample without good cause.
• If you test positive for Class A drugs, you'll be required to attend a compulsory drug assessment by specialist drugs workers. The assessment will determine the extent of your drug problem and help you into treatment and other support, even if you're not charged with an offence.
• Those who fail to provide a sample or comply with a required assessment face a fine of up to £2,500 and/or up to three months in prison.

 

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