Drugs and the law
Illegal drugs are placed into three categories when it comes to the law. The drugs are placed according to the harm that they can do to you. Class A drugs are the most harmful. The law regards dealing in drugs, including possession with intent to supply, as being a more serious offence than possession for personal use.
Class A
Class A drugs include cocaine, crack, ecstasy, heroin, LSD and magic mushrooms. It’s illegal to have, give away or to deal in Class A drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal. Offences under Class A are the most serious and carry the heaviest penalties.
The maximum penalty for being found in possession of a Class A drug is seven years in prison, plus an unlimited fine.
The maximum penalty for supplying or dealing Class A drugs is life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply a Class A drug is life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine.
Class B
Class B drugs include speed (amphetamines). If any Class B drug is prepared for injection, then it is treated as a Class A drug. It’s illegal to have, give away or to deal in Class B drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal.
The maximum penalty for being found in possession of a Class B drug is five years in prison, plus an unlimited fine.
The maximum penalty for supplying or dealing Class B drugs is 14 years imprisonment plus an unlimited fine.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply a Class B drug is 14 years imprisonment plus an unlimited fine.
Class C
Class C drugs include cannabis, GHB, anabolic steroids and tranquillisers such as Valium. It’s illegal to have, give away or to deal in Class C drugs. Possession with intent to supply is also illegal, as is growing cannabis plants.
The maximum penalty for being found in possession of a Class C drug is two years in prison, plus an unlimited fine.
The maximum penalty for supplying or dealing Class C drugs is 14 years imprisonment plus an unlimited fine.
The maximum penalty for possession with intent to supply a Class C drug is 14 years imprisonment plus an unlimited fine.