Every year about 40,000 people in the UK are arrested for drug offences.
About 38,000 of these get caught with a small amount of cannabis, a tab or two, or a couple of E. The majority of convictions are for possession offences.
What happens to them depends on the Class of drug they are caught with and, amongst other things, what they plan to do with it.
The law divides drugs into three classes – A, B and C.
Class A drugs carry the heaviest penalties.
The Consequences
| Class | Drug | Possession | Production or Dealing |
| A | Ecstasy, acid, cocaine, heroin and methadone, mushrooms (if prepared), speed (if prepared for injection). | Up to 7 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. | Up to life imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. |
| B | Speed, Cannabis, Ritalin (without prescription), Pholcodine. | Up to 5 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. | Up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. |
| C | Tranquillisers and some painkillers (without prescription), GHB, Ketamine. | Up to 2 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. | Up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both. |
What is The Difference Between Possession & Supply (Dealing)?
Possession
This is where you get caught with drugs that you are going to use yourself. A report will be sent to the Procurator Fiscal to decide whether to prosecute you or not. Depending on the Class of drug you are caught with and individual circumstances, you may get up to 7 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.
Supply (Dealing)
You do not have to be a big time drug dealer to be charged with supply related offences. If you are caught with drugs and it looks like you have bought them to sell, or give to your friends, you could be charged with “possession with intent to supply” or “supplying drugs”. Either offence can mean up to life imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both.
Remember: Having a criminal record can make it difficult for you to get a job or visa if you want to travel abroad.
What Happens If You are Under 16?
From 1 April 1997, the misuse of any drug, whether or not it is controlled in terms of the Misuse of Drugs Act, can mean you have to go to a Children’s Hearing if you are under 16.
