Drugs

If a police officer has a reason to suspect you are carrying an illegal drug they have the right to make you empty your pockets.

If the police officer finds that you do have drugs, you could be charged with one of two offences:

 

Possession

Being charged with possession means that you have been caught with an illegal drug which police believe is for your personal use, and means that the police;

• Can tell your parents or carer
• Might refer you to your local Youth Offender Team (YOT)
• Might also inform Children’s Services.

The police will deal with you in one of the following ways:

Reprimand
A Reprimand is put on local police files. If you offend again police may decide to charge you, rather than caution you.

A final warning
A central police record held for 5 years. If you offend again, this can be used against you.

Charge
To charge you with an offence leading to a youth court hearing (this is more likely for repeat offenders, who may end up with a fine or a custodial sentence).

 

Possession with intent to supply drugs

Being charged with Possession with Intent to Supply Drugs means that police believe that you had the intention of dealing (this includes selling, trading, giving or sharing drugs with others).

Decisions over whether you're charged with Intent to Supply are based on the circumstances in which you were caught and the quantity of drugs you were caught with.

The police can take the same course of action as in simple possession cases, but this time you're more likely to be charged. If your case goes to court the penalties are likely to be heavier.

Penalties

The Misuse of Drugs Act divides drugs into three classes and gives guidelines for penalties:

Class of Drugs	Drug Type	Maximum Penalties
Class A	Cocaine and crack Ecstasy Heroin LSD (acid) Magic mushrooms Amphetamines (speed) if prepared for injection	Possession: seven years prison and/or a fine Possession with intent to supply: life imprisonment and/or a fine
Class B	Amphetamines (speed) Cannabis	Possession: five years prison and/or a fine Possession with intent to supply: 14 years prison and/or a fine
Class C	Anabolic steroids Certain painkillers and prescribed substances	Possession: two years prison and/or a fine Possession with intent to supply: five years prison and/or a fine