Drugs and the Law

Drug Laws

Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 (The Original Act)

Legislation covering drugs puts them into 3 categorises class A, B and C.

These drugs are termed as controlled substances, and Class A drugs are the most harmful.
Offences under the Act include
•   Possession of a controlled substance
•   Possession of a controlled substance with intent to supply it
•   Supplying(dealing) or offering to supply a controlled drug (even where no charge is made for the drug)
•   Allowing premises you occupy or manage to be used for the purpose of drug taking
•   Production, cultivation or manufacture of controlled drugs
Drug trafficking (supply) attracts serious punishment including life imprisonment for Class A offences.
To enforce this law the police have special powers to stop, detain and search people on 'reasonable suspicion' that they are in possession of a controlled drug.

Classification under the Act

Class A drugs

Include: Ecstasy, LSD, DMT, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, amphetamines, Any drug that is prepared for injection
Penalties for possession: Up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both
Penalties for dealing: Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both

Class B drugs

Include: Amphetamine sulphate, Methylphenidate (Ritalin), Pholcodine
Penalties for possession: Up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both
Penalties for dealing: Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both

Class C drugs

Include: Cannabis, tranquilisers, some painkillers, GHB (Gamma hydroxybutyrate), Ketamine, Anabolic Steroids
Penalties for possession: Up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both
Penalties for dealing: Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine. Or both

NB. Cannabis is soon to be reclassified as a Class B drug

Other laws controlling Drugs are The Medicines Act 1968, The Customs and Excise Management act 1979,The Road Traffic Act 1972, Drug Trafficking Act 1994, Crime and Disorder Act 1998.

The Medicines Act 1968

The law applies to the manufacture and supply of medicines and divides medical drugs into three categories

1. These medicines can only be supplied by a pharmacist if prescribed by a doctor
2. Medicines that can only be sold by a chemist, but without a prescription

3. Medicines that can be sold by any shop, but advertising and labelling may be restricted.

Customs and Excise Management Act 1979

The customs and excise act deals with the import and export of controlled drugs. The maximum penalties are the same as they are for trafficking. (fines can be up to three times the value of the drug seized)

Road Traffic Act 1972

The Act states 'it is an offence to be in charge of a vehicle while unfit to drive through drink or drugs. This also includes prescription medicines and solvents.

Drug Trafficking Act 1994

It is illegal to sell items that can be used for preparing and taking of drugs. If some one is found guilty of trafficking their assets and income can be seized.

Crime and Disorder Act 1998

This act enforces drug treatment and testing orders for those convicted of crimes that pay for their drug use

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