When it comes to drugs and the law, the consequences of being caught with an illegal drug can be quite complicated. Many people think that the police will only arrest someone who's caught dealing drugs, but even using drugs for your own personal use or having them on you may result in a large fine or time in prison. This also includes prescription medication that belongs to someone else.
This section should make what you need to know much clearer.
Supply basically means you have given, sold or transported drugs.
Possession means if you’re caught with an illegal drug…whether it’s a large or small amount – you will be charged with possession. If it happens to be your first offence, you might be lucky enough to get away with a caution – but don’t see this as an easy escape as a caution stays on your record forever, just like a conviction.
A caution however does become ‘spent’ after about 6 or 7 years which means that after this time the court cannot use it against you.
Intent to supply is when you are planning to pass drugs onto someone else. This doesn’t just include selling drugs to strangers for money – even planning to pass drugs onto your friends for free, or collecting them to be shared out amongst your friends could be considered as intent to supply.
The Misuse of Drugs act is the main piece of legislation which aims to control the possession and supply of drugs in the UK. The misuse of drugs act divides illegal drugs into three different groups known as classes.
These classes A, B and C carry different levels of penalties for possession and supply. Class A drugs are treated by the law as being the most dangerous and therefore mean a greater punishment.
Class A and Possession: You could receive up to 7 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both!
Class A and Supply: You could receive up to life imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both!
Class B and Possession: You could receive up to 5 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both!
Class B and Supply: You could receive up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both!
Class C and Possession: You could receive up to 2 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both! (This includes temazepam and valium if possessed without a prescription)
Class C and Supply: You could receive up to 14 years imprisonment or an unlimited fine or both!
If you’re under 17 years old, and are found guilty of a criminal offence, you could find yourself facing time in custody. You won’t be sent to an adult prison but you will be sent to a facility for young people known as secure accommodation.