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Community safety
Alcohol and drugs advice and support in Adur
What does the law say about using drugs?
This is a massive subject to cover in a few words, so only the bare outlines
are set out below.
Possession or possession with intent to supply
If you are caught with drugs on you the penalties you face vary depending on the type of drug and the amount. Generally a small amount of drugs will be considered as 'for personal use' and the offence would be for possession. This is not cut and dried however, as situations such as friends clubbing together to buy for example a few ecstasy tablets could result in conviction for 'possession with intent to supply'.
Classification of drugs
The Misuse of Drugs Act divides illegal drugs into three classes, and the maximum penalties for possession and supply vary accordingly. The main categories are :
Class A drugs include :
- Cocaine, crack, heroin,
LSD, magic mushrooms if prepared, speed (amphetamines) if prepared for injection,
ecstasy
- Maximum penalty for possession : Seven years in prison and/or a fine
- Maximum penalty for supply : Life imprisonment and/or
a fine
Class B drugs include :
- Speed (amphetamines),
synthetic cannabinoids (such as Spice)
- Maximum penalty for possession : Five years in prison and/or fine
- Maximum penalty for supply : 14 years in prison and/or a fine
- Cannabis
- Maximum penalty for possession : Penalties vary for over and under 18's, and can range from a warning to a criminal record
- Maximum penalty for supply : Up to 14 years imprisonment
for supply and/or a fine
Class C drugs include :
- Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines
(valium, temazepam), Ketamine, GHB, GBL and BZP
- Maximum penalty for possession : Two years in prison and/or a fine
- Maximum penalty for supply : Five years in prison
and/or a fine
This is just a guideline. Other factors would be taken into account, but it is important to remember the following :
- On premises you are responsible for, you are committing an offence if you knowingly allow someone to use, produce, sell, or even give away illegal drugs. This includes allowing occupants to smoke cannabis.
- If you have a drugs record it could prevent you obtaining a visa to travel abroad to some countries.
- When you apply for jobs employers can check whether you have a criminal record.
- Despite what you have probably read in the papers cannabis is still an illegal drug.
- It is not illegal to possess gases, glues and aerosols, but shopkeepers who sell them to under-18s are breaking the law if they suspect the product is intended for abuse.
- Young people using drugs risk school exclusion, in addition to any criminal charges.
- Positive drugs tests in sports can result in long term bans, and ruin promising careers.
If you would like more information or advice please contact Norma Buss, Community Alcohol and Drugs Worker, at Adur Civic Centre.
See also : 'Legal highs'
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Note : All the photos featured in this drugs sections of our website are subject to Crown Copyright protection and were provided for use on the "Tackling Drugs Communications & Campaign pack CD", for more information on Crown Copyright see the National Archives website (www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/information-management/guidance/c.htm)
