Drugs
Drugs and the Law - some facts
The two main laws about drugs in Great Britain are The Medicines Act and the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971).
- The Medicines Act controls the way medicines are made and supplied
- The Misuse of Drugs Act divides drugs into three classes according to how harmful they are known to be.
The most harmful drugs are class A drugs. They carry the heaviest penalties for use, supply and production. Then comes class B and class C. The table below gives examples of the drugs in each category and the maximum penalties which can be applied.
| Class of Drug | Examples of Drugs in this Category | Maximum Possible Penalties |
 |
Cocaine / Crack |
For possession: 7 year prison term and/or unlimited fine For production / trafficking: Life imprisonment and/or fine |
 |
Barbituates (mixed drugs) Amphetamines NB: all class B drugs become class A if injected |
For possession: 5 years and/or unlimited fine For production: Life and/or unlimited fine For trafficking: 14 years and/or unlimited fine |
| Cannabis Tranquillisers |
For illegal possession: 2 years and/or unlimited fine For production with intent to supply 14 years and/or unlimited fine |
Did you know that the Misue of Drugs Act (1971) also makes it an offence for the occupier or manager of premises, to allow drugs to be used on the premises?
- Allowing the use of class A or B drugs can lead to a fine or a prison sentence of up to 14 years.
- Allowing the use of class C drugs can lead to a fine or a prison sentence of up to 5 years.
Remember
- You must be 18 or over to buy alcohol from an off licence or buy and drink it in a pub.
- You must be 16 or over to buy cigarettes or tobacco.
- It is illegal for a shopkeeper to sell solvents to anyone under 18 if they know they plan to abuse them.
Police Powers
Search
A Police Officer may search a person or a vehicle, if they have reasonable grounds to suspect controlled drugs are present. They may detain you/it to search and may seize anything found. Refusing a search may lead to your arrest. A warrant is needed to search premises.
Class A & B Drugs
Possession, production or supply of class A & B drugs are serious arrestable offences. Police may arrest on reasonable suspicion if anyone is committing, has committed or is about to commit an offence.