Pushing or possessing illegal drugs will land you in difficulty in one way or another. At one end of the scale you could end up in prison and/or with an addiction which will cause you serious health problems or and at the other end you may end up with a lesser charge and no jail time but a stain on your good record which could cause future difficulties in getting jobs and visas for travel.

 

Police powers
If we suspect you are carrying an illegal drug we have the right to make you turn out your pockets. We can also take you to a police station and search you and seize anything which may be of evidence.

If drugs are found, you could be charged with one of two offences – unlawful possession or unlawful possession with intent to supply.

Both would leave you with a criminal record which will mean obtaining a visa to travel to some countries may become difficult or could even be denied. It could also affect your job prospects as potential employers may check if you have a criminal record or any past convictions.

 

Unlawful possession
This means being caught with an illegal drug for your own use.

The consequences can include:

• A formal warning (which is added to police files - if you offend again this may influence the police to charge you). 
• A reprimand or final warning (a central police record held for five years - if you offend again, this can be used against you). 
• To charge you with an offence leading to a court hearing (this is more likely for repeat offenders, who may end up with a fine or a custodial sentence).

 

Unlawful possession with intent to supply
If you had any intention of dealing (which can include giving and sharing drugs) you may be charged with this more serious offence.

Decisions over whether you are charged with intent to supply are based on the circumstances in which you were caught and the quantity of drugs you were caught with.

We can take the same course of action as in simple possession cases, but this time you are more likely to be charged. If your case goes to court the penalties are likely to be heavier.

 

Drug Classes and the Penalties
The Misuse of Drugs Act (1971) is split in to three classes: A, B and C, which are related to their potential harm.

 

Class A Drugs
Opium, Heroin, Ecstasy, Methadone, Cocaine, LSD

Unlawful possession carries a tariff of seven years plus a fine.

Unlawful possession with intent to supply carried a tariff of life imprisonment plus a fine.

 

Class B Drugs

Codeine, Amphetamine, Barbiturates, Cannabis

Unlawful possession carries a tariff of five years and a fine.

Unlawful possession with intent to supply carries a tariff of 14 years plus a fine.

 

Class C Drugs

Benzodiazepines, other tranquillisers

Unlawful possession carries a tarriff of two years plus a fine.

Unlawful possession with intent to supply carries a tariff of five years plus a fine.

 

NB: Any Class B drug that is prepared for injection then becomes Class A.