Drugs
Introduction l ACID l Alcohol l Amphetamines l Cannabis l Cocaine l Ecstasy l Heroin l Solvents l Tranquilisers l Case studies
What the law says and what it means to you.
The law puts illegal drugs into three classes: A, B and C - according to the harm that they can do to you - with Class A being the most harmful.
The law regards dealing in drugs, including possession with intent to supply, as being a more serious offence that possession for personal use.
Class A
What the law says about Class A drugs.
Class A drugs include cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD and magic mushrooms.
It's illegal to have, give away or to deal in Class A drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal.
Offences under Class A are the most serious and carry the heaviest penalties.
Maximum penalties under the law
Possession:
- 7 years in jail plus an unlimited fine
Supplying/dealing:
- Life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine
Possession with intent to supply:
- Life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine
"Going to court was really stressful; it was a bad time for me. The conviction screwed up my plans to go to New York." Sean, 21
Class B
What the law says about Class B drugs.
Class B drugs include speed (amphetamines). The law treats any Class B drug that is prepared for injection as a Class A drug.
It's illegal to have, give away or to deal in Class B drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal.
Maximum penalties under the law
Possession:
- 5 years in jail plus an unlimited fine.
Supplying/dealing:
- 14 years in jail plus an unlimited fine.
Possession with intent to supply:
- 14 years in jail plus an unlimited fine
"I got done. I had no idea when I applied for a job that I might have to tell then about my drugs conviction." Rick, 22
Class C
What the law says about Class C drugs:
Class C drugs include cannabis, GHB, anabolic steroids and tranquillisers such as valium.
It's illegal to have, give away or to deal in Class C drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal, and so is growing cannabis plants.
Maximum penalties under the law
Possession:
- 2 years in jail plus an unlimited fine
Supplying/dealing:
- 14 years in jail plus an unlimited fine
Possession with intent to supply:
- 14 years in jail plus an unlimited fine
"My mum had to pick me up form the police station. I felt bad because she was really upset." Louise, 17
What this means for you
What happens to you if you commit an offence will depend on the circumstances such as whether it's your first offence and how serious it is.
For instance, supplying your friends with a Class A drug is more serious than possessing a small amount of a Class C drug for personal use.
If you are under 18
If it is a less serious offence you will be arrested and taken to the police station, your drugs will be confiscated and you will be given a reprimand warning.
If it is not your first offence, or the offence is more serious, you are much likely to end up in court.
If you are over 18
If it is a less serious offence, you will be arrested and taken to the police station, your drugs will be confiscated and you will be given a reprimand warning.
If it is not your first offence, or the offence is more serious, you are more likely to end up in court.
Going to court
If you are found guilty of a less serious offence, you may be fined or given a community sentence (which could include getting help for a drug problem). For more serious offences, such as dealing, you could be sent to prison or a young offender's institute.
Need more information?
Talk to FRANK
If you'd like friendly, helpful advice about how drugs can affect you or if you or someone you care about has a drug problem:
Telephone: 0800 77 66 00
Web: www.talktofrank.com 