A to Z and search section :

Search : A : B : C : D : E : F : G : H : I : J : K : L : M : N : O : P : Q : R : S : T : U : V : W : X : Y : Z : 1-9 : Sitemap : FAQs

: Go to top of page


Page content section :

Community safety

Alcohol and drugs advice and support in Adur

What does the law say about using drugs?

PrisonThis 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 : 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
     
  • Class B drug : 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'

8 of 11
Go to previous pageGo to next page

Note : All the photos featured in this drugs sections of our website are subject to Crown copyright protection, for more information see the OPSI website ( http://www.opsi.gov.uk/advice/crown-copyright/copyright-guidance/index.htm )

 

: Go to top of page


Contact details :

Community Alcohol and Drugs Worker,
Adur District Council,
Civic Centre, Ham Road,
Shoreham-by-Sea,
West Sussex, BN43 6PR
Tel : (01273) 441215
Mobile : 07870 266 316
Minicom : (01273) 263060
Send the drugs worker an e-mail
website : www.adur.gov.uk

: Go to top of page


Frequently asked questions :

There are currently no FAQs relating to this section

: Go to top of page


Related sections on this website :

None :

: Go to top of page


Related external websites :

None :

See also :
Find out how to open links to external websites in a new browser window or tab

: Go to top of page


Footer section :

© Adur District Council : Page created : SJC : 1 November, 2005 : Last updated : SJC : 14 January, 2010

Adur District Council's statements on : Copyright : Privacy : Liability : Terms and Conditions : External links : Help : Complaints : Feedback : Printing : What's new :

Go to top of page


Get Adobe Acrobat logo : ICRA logo :

Website accreditation - click for more details :

: Go to top of page