up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both) for a Class B drug.up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine (or both) for a Class A drug.The maximum sentences for possession of each class of drug are: If you're found with a Class A or B drug and have a history of drug offences, you will be prosecuted. If over 18 years it should be anticipated that you will receive a caution and further action, such as prosecution, will depend upon the decision reached by the Public Prosecution Service. You may also be referred to the police Youth Diversion Scheme. If the police find you with drugs, the punishment that you receive will depend on the class of drug, the quantity of drugs found, where you are found (if found close to a school or youth club, the court can give a higher sentence) and your personal history (previous crimes, but importantly, any previous drug offences).įor example, if you are under 18 years old and found with a Class C drug, and depending on the circumstances, it should be anticipated that, as a minimum, you will receive a formal (recorded) warning and a police caution. If you're aged 17 or under, the police are allowed to tell your parent, guardian or carer that you've been caught. If you're caught with drugs you may be charged with possessing (or possession with intent to supply - a much more serious offence) controlled drugs, whether it's yours or not. The drugs found will be seized and destroyed. If the police stop you and you are in possession of drugs, it is likely that you will be arrested. A temporary banning order allows a substance to be banned until analysis can be carried out to assess the potential risks to human health. The chemical composition of these new substances changes quickly. “Temporary Class Drug Banning Orders” are for psychoactive substances (sometimes mislabelled as legal highs). anabolic steroids, GHB and some tranquilisers are Class C drugs.speed, cannabis, ketamine, mephedrone and some amphetamines are Class B drugs.heroin, cocaine, ecstasy and LSD are Class A drugs.The three categories of drugs are Class A, Class B and Class C: Drugs in all classes, not just those in ‘Class A’, are very dangerous. It’s worth remembering that different drugs affect people in different ways.
How drugs are classifiedĭrugs are put into one of three categories, according to how dangerous they are and the impact they have on society - not necessarily the individual. It is important to realise that getting involved in drugs can bring many other problems that can affect your health, your relationships with your family and friends, your financial wellbeing and where you live.
Some people will resort to dealing to raise income, but if caught by the police this can lead to higher penalties being given by a court. Others may resort to more serious crimes such as robbery, theft, extortion - anything to secure money to buy drugs. Money may need to be borrowed and if repayments can't be met, this brings other problems.Īs drug misuse increases, some people may use crime, such as burglary, to find items that can be stolen and sold to others to raise money to buy more drugs. This can lead to financial problems as bills, such as mortgages, rent and rates, together with other household bills, cannot be paid.Įven social security benefits might not be enough income to pay for drug use. As drug misuse and dependency increases it can become more difficult to work and maintain a job. Drug dependencyįor many drug users, increased drug use can lead to dependency and this condition can lead to many new problems. If you are found with drugs near a school, youth facility or location where young people formally meet, the courts will treat this as an aggravating issue can impose higher penalties.
It's also illegal to allow premises you own, rent, use or occupy to be used for any drug-related activity. It’s a good idea to understand the laws surrounding drug classifications, possession and intent to supply Drugs and the law Carrying drugs for personal use could get you a large fine or time in prison too. It’s not just drug dealers who will be arrested if they get caught.