Drugs and the Law

THE MISUSE OF DRUGS ACT

The 1971 Misuse of Drugs Act makes the possession and supply of certain drugs illegal. It covers a wide range of drugs and offences which can include:

* Possession for personal use
* Possession with intent to supply another person
* Supplying or offering to supply another person
* Production, cultivation or manufacture
* Import or export
* Allowing premises you occupy to be used for consumption or supply of controlled drugs

The drugs controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act are divided into three classes - A, B and C. Class A drugs are regarded as the most dangerous and carry heavier penalties.

Class A Drugs include heroin, methadone, opium, cocaine, crack, ecstasy, LSD, PCP (Phencyclidine), magic mushrooms, methamphetamine and any Class B drug which is injected.

Class B Drugs include amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, DF118 (painkillers), mephadrone, spice and NRG1

Class C Drugs include mild amphetamines, tranquillisers, GHB and ketamine.

The maximum penalties under the Misuse of Drugs Act are as follows: