Drug offences
The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is the primary piece of legislation which covers drug offences.
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Drug offences
Offences under the Act include (but not limited to):
Unlawful possession of a controlled substance.
Possession of a controlled substance with intent to supply it.
Being concerned in the supply of a controlled substance.
Production of a controlled substance.
Supplying or offering to supply a controlled drug.
Allowing premises you occupy or manage to be used unlawfully for the purpose of producing or supplying controlled drugs.
class a
Heroin
Cocaine
Crack Cocaine
Ecstasy
LSD
Magic Mushrooms
class b
Cannabis
Amphetamines
Ketamine
class c
Tranquilisers
Diazepam (unless prescribed by a Doctor)
Anabolic Steroids
Sentencing
Class A
Penalties for possession – Up to 7 years imprisonment.
Penalties for supply (dealing) – Up to life imprisonment.
Penalties for production – Up to life imprisonment.
Class B
Penalties for possession – Up to 5 years imprisonment.
Penalties for supply (dealing) – Up to 14 years imprisonment.
Penalties for production – Up to 14 years imprisonment.
Class C
Penalties for possession – Up to 2 years imprisonment.
Penalties for supply (dealing) – Up to 14 years imprisonment.
Penalties for production – Up to 14 years imprisonment.
Drug trafficking (supply) attracts serious punishment including life imprisonment for Class A offences.
Defences
It is a defence for you to show:
- You neither knew, suspected, nor had reason to suspect you were in possession of the drug.
- You neither believed, suspected, nor had reason to suspect that the substance in question was a controlled drug.
- You believed the product to be a controlled legal drug.
- Supply offences – You did not intend to supply the drug to another.
If you are being investigated or prosecuted for any drugs offences, please get in touch with our specialist team.