Drug Offences

  • The legal restrictions placed on the use of controlled drugs are aimed at preventing drug misuse. The principal offences relating to the misuse of controlled drugs are contained in the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. The Act classifies the drugs according to their relative degree of overall harm from misuse and a drug is considered ‘controlled’ if it has been categorised as a class A, B or C drug. Class A drug being the most serious and resulting in the heaviest penalties.

Common drugs in each class are as follows:

  • Class A: cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, methamphetamine
  • Class B: cannabis, codeine, ketamine, mephedrone
  • Class C: steroids, diazepam, khat

     

The most common drug offences include:

  • Possession of a controlled drug.
  • Possession with intent to supply.
  • Supply of controlled drugs – can range from small-scale dealing amongst friends to large-scale supply of class A drugs.
  • Allowing premises to be used for consumption of controlled drugs
  • Production of controlled drugs – this is defined as ‘manufacturing, cultivating or production by any other method’.
  • Cultivation of cannabis – this is defined as any action such as the watering, feeding or nurturing of a cannabis plant or seeds.
  • Importation and exportation of controlled drugs.

The penalties for drug offences vary depending on the quantity and class of the drugs as well as the circumstances surrounding the arrest. The punishment for supplying drugs is much more severe, intent to supply a Class A drug on conviction carries a custodial sentence of up to life imprisonment, while supplying a Class B or Class C drug can result in a custodial sentence of up to 14 years. Also, the courts may issue an unlimited fine.

Platts Solicitors is a highly renowned nationwide law firm. With our expertise and proactive approach we work relentlessly on your behalf and will leave no stone unturned to achieve a successful outcome.

Contact 

For expert advice on all criminal-related matters, contact our Manchester criminal lawyers online or by phone on 0161 834 3114 and Office out of hours number 07977 402020.