Drugs penalties
You can get a fine or prison sentence if you:
- take drugs
- carry drugs
- make drugs
- sell, deal or share drugs (also called 鈥榮upplying鈥� them)
The penalties depend on the type or 鈥榗lass鈥� of drug or substance, the amount you have, and whether you鈥檙e also dealing or producing it.
Class A
Class A drugs include:
- cocaine
- crack cocaine
- ecstasy (MDMA)
- heroin
- LSD
- magic mushrooms
- methadone
- methamphetamine (crystal meth)
Class B
Class B drugs include:
- amphetamines
- barbiturates
- cannabis
- codeine
- gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- gamma-butyrolactone (GBL)
- ketamine
- methylphenidate (Ritalin)
- synthetic cannabinoids
- synthetic cathinones (for example mephedrone, methoxetamine)
Class C
Class C drugs include:
- anabolic steroids
- benzodiazepines (diazepam)
- khat
- nitrous oxide (laughing gas)
- piperazines (BZP)
Temporary class drugs
The government can ban new drugs for one year under a 鈥榯emporary banning order鈥� while they decide how the drugs should be classified.
Penalties for drug possession, supply and production
The maximum penalties for drug possession, supply (selling, dealing or sharing) and production depend on the drug class.
| Maximum penalty for possession | Maximum penalty for supply and production | |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both | Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
| Class B | Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both | Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
| Class C | Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both (except anabolic steroids - it鈥檚 not an offence to possess them for personal use) | Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
| Temporary class drugs | None, but police can take away a suspected temporary class drug | Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
Psychoactive substances penalties
Psychoactive substances are things that cause:
- hallucinations
- drowsiness
- changes in alertness
- changes in perception of time and space
- changes in mood or empathy with others
Food, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, medicine and illegal drugs do not count as psychoactive substances.
Possession penalty
There is no penalty for carrying psychoactive substances, unless you鈥檙e in prison.
Supply and production penalty
You can get up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both if you:
- carry a psychoactive substance and you intend to supply it
- make a psychoactive substance
- sell, deal or share a psychoactive substance (also called supplying them)
Possessing drugs
You may be charged with possessing an illegal substance if you鈥檙e caught with drugs, whether they鈥檙e yours or not.
If you鈥檙e under 18, the police are allowed to tell your parent, guardian or carer that you鈥檝e been caught with drugs.
Your penalty will depend on:
- the class and quantity of drug
- where you and the drugs were found
- your personal history (previous crimes, including any previous drug offences)
- other aggravating or mitigating factors
Cannabis and khat
Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of up to 拢90 if you鈥檙e found with cannabis or khat. You may be able to pay your penalty without getting a formal warning or caution.
If you鈥檙e repeatedly found with cannabis or khat, your penalty may vary from treatment to their maximum penalty for possession.
Dealing or supplying drugs
The penalty is likely to be more severe if you are found to be supplying drugs (dealing, selling or sharing).
The police will probably charge you if they suspect you of supplying drugs. The amount of drugs found and whether you have a criminal record will affect your penalty.
More information
has help, information and advice about drugs.