DRUGS AND THE LAW

 
Class A

Classification
Drugs are put into three categories by the law.

The following are all Class A Drugs:
Ecstasy, LSD, Heroin, Magic Mushrooms, Cocaine and Methadone.

Class A drugs are more serious in the eyes of the law than class B or C.

Class B

Classification
Drugs are put into three categories by the law.

The following are both Class B Drugs:
Amphetamines and Cannabis.

Class C

Classification
Drugs are put into three categories by the law.

The following are classified as Class C Drugs:
Tranquillisers such as Temazepam, Valium and Steroids

Possession and Dealing

Class A drugs are more serious in the eyes of the law than class B or C. The law also sees possession and supplying differently. The maximum sentences that can be given by a Crown Court are:

The Police will consider a caution if the person is found in possession of drugs and it is their first offence.

In order to accept a caution, a person must admit the offence. If someone does not admit the offence, it will go to court.

It is not a legal requirement to tell people about an official caution but it makes sense to declare it for certain jobs. If someone commits another offence, the court may take a caution into consideration.

For young people, under 18, cautions are no longer issued instead a three step process of reprimand, warning and prosecution is in place. This depends on the seriousness of the offence.

Drugs and Driving

It is an offence to drive whilst 'unfit through drugs' this doesn't just mean illegal drugs, but also drugs that your doctor prescribed for you, and solvents (gasses, glues etc).

It is an offence to be in charge of a motor vehicle (car, bike, moped, van etc) if under the influence of alcohol. A person could be disqualified from driving, fined or if they have previous convictions - sent to prison.