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 supplying them) 

The penalties depend on the type of drug or substance, the amount you have, and whether you are also dealing or producing it.

Types of drugs:

The maximum penalties for drug possession, supply (selling, dealing or sharing) and production depend on what type or class the drug is.

Class: A: 

Drug: Crack cocaine, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone, methamphetamine (crystal meth). 

Possession: Up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Supply and production: Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Class: B: 

Drug: Amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, ketamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (for example mephedrone, methoxetamine). 

Possession: Up to five years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Supply and production: Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Class: C:

Drug: Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines (diazepam), gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), piperazines (BZP), khat.

Possession: Up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine or both (except anabolic steroids, it is not an offence to possess them for personal use).

Supply and production: Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Class: Temporary class drugs*:

Drug: Some methylphenidate substances (ethylphenidate, 3,4-dichloromethylphenidate (3,4-DCMP), methylnaphthidate (HDMP-28), isopropylphenidate (IPP or IPPD), 4-methylmethylphenidate, ethylnaphthidate, propylphenidate) and their simple derivatives.

Possession: None, but police can take away a suspected temporary class drug.

Supply and production: Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

*The government can ban new drugs for 1 year under a temporary banning order while they decide how the drugs should be classified.

Psychoactive substances penalties

Psychoactive substances include things like nitrous oxide (laughing gas). 

You can get a fine or prison sentence 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)

Psychoactive substances: Things that cause hallucinations, drowsiness or changes in alertness, perception of time and space, mood or empathy with others. 

Possession: None, unless you are in prison. 

Supply and production: Up to seven years in prison, an unlimited fine or both. 

Food, alcohol, nicotine, caffeine, medicine and the types of drugs listed above do not count as psychoactive substances. 

Possessing drugs 

You may be charged with possessing an illegal substance if you are caught with drugs, whether they are yours or not. 

If you are under 18, the police are allowed to tell your parent, guardian or carer that you have 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  

Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £90 if you are found with cannabis. 

Khat  

Police can issue a warning or an on-the-spot fine of £60 on the first two times that you are found with khat. If you are found with khat more than twice, you could get a maximum penalty of up to two years in prison, an unlimited fine, or both. 

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. 

For more help and information visit: