Drugs and the law
Drugs are classified into three categories with Class A having the heaviest penalties. Adults and young people are considered differently by the criminal justice system, with different penalties applying; however, any
criminal record can make it difficult for you to get a job, get into college, or get a visa if you want to travel abroad.
| Class | Drug | Possession | Production or Supplying |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone, methamphetamine, peyote, PMA, 2CB | Up to 7 years in prison, or a fine, or both | Up to life in prison, or a fine, or both. |
| B | Amphetamine, cannabis, synthetic cannabinoids (Spice), cathinones (mephedrone), narphyrone | Up to 5 years in prison, or a fine, or both | Up to 14 years in prison, or a fine, or both |
| C | Ketamine, Piperazines (BZP), GHB, GBL, Tranquilizers, Anabolic Steroids | Up to 2 years in prison, or a fine, or both | Up to 14 years in prison, or a fine, or both |
The Difference Between Possession & Supply…
Possession; This is where someone is caught with drugs that they are going to use. Supply: This is when you are caught with drugs and it looks like you have bought them to sell or supply to friends. (Information taken from http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs/drug-law/)
For more information on drugs and the law go to the Release site: http://release.org.uk/drugs-law/uk-law/table-of-substances
It is illegal to…
- drink and drive; having a blood concentration of 80mg per 100ml or over can have the following penalties; up to 6 months in prison; a fine of up to £5000 and a minimum of 12 months’ disqualification (3 years for a second offence within 10 years) and a criminal record
- take drugs and drive have the following penalties; up to 6 months in prison; a fine of up to £5000 and a minimum of 12 months’ disqualification (3 years for a second offence within 10 years) and a criminal record
- buy or attempt to buy alcohol if you are under 18.
- to sell alcohol to anyone under 18; penalties include a fine of £5000; suspend or revoke personal licences and Fixed Penalty notices can be issued by the police to persons who sell alcohol to under 18s and those who buy for under 18s
- to sell solvents to anyone under 18 or in the knowledge that they will be abused.