Drug offences are considered to be extremely serious in the United Kingdom. Even a minor drug possession offence can turn into a criminal conviction that can have significant negative effects, as well as career-ending consequences.

Most drug possession charges are filed against younger people in the country. This is because there is a common misconception that sharing illegal substances among friends is no big deal. However, even passing drugs to a friend without being paid for it amounts to supplying drugs, and you can be prosecuted for possession with intent to supply.

A conviction for drugs can also result in travel restrictions, as several countries such as the USA and Australia refuse entry to people with prior arrests or convictions for drug-related offences.

Types of drug offences

According to the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, certain substances and illicit drugs are restricted at both state and federal levels. The Act divides all illegal and controlled substances into three major classifications of drugs:

  • Class A Drugs -These are considered to be the most serious and dangerous drugs, and include substances such as cocaine, heroin, ecstasy and crystal meth. Any Class B drug that is used by injecting is also classified as a Class A drug.
  • Class B Drugs -These include mildly harmful and addictive substances such as ketamine, cannabis, and amphetamine, among others. Any new drugs that are considered harmful and criminalised under the Temporary Class Drug Order are also classified as Class B drugs.
  • Class C Drugs -These include anabolic steroids and mild tranquilisers.  

The offence or actions that can be criminalised under the above-mentioned acts include:

  • Drug dealing
  • Drug smuggling
  • Drug trafficking
  • Possession with intent to supply
  • Offering to supply a controlled drug
  • Driving under the influence of drugs
  • Manufacturing or cultivating drugs
  • Import or export of controlled drugs
  • Allowing personal premises to be used for production, supply or consumption of controlled substances

Getting arrested for a drug offence

Usually, the police arrest people on suspicion of possession of drugs and bring them in for questioning. Quite often the first response of people faced with police questioning is to answer their queries without having legal representation present. This is rarely a good strategy. No matter how small the charges are, trying to talk your way out of the situation usually never works.

Depending upon the type of drug offence charges you are being investigated for, you can be required to go to a Magistrate court or for a serious offence, or the case could be referred to the Crown courts to await a jury trial.

Penalties for drug-related offences

The penalties for drug-related offences ultimately depend on the nature of the offence and the class of drug in question. The law regarding the supply and possession of illegal substances is very stringent, with little room for interpretation or manoeuvring. Generally, no exemptions are provided for a person found guilty of possession or supply of controlled drugs.

Defending against drug-related offences

At Wembley Solicitors, we have years of experience advising on drug-related offences and providing legal representation in court to our clients. We also secure our clients against possible damage to their reputations and ensure discretion during the entire process.

Need legal advice & assistance?

At Wembley Solicitors, we have years of experience providing legal representation for criminal offences and other criminal law related matters.  We're authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), so you know you're in safe hands.

Contact our solicitor today to get legal advice and assistance with your legal matters.

You can call us on 02034173700 or leave your details here for a callback request regarding your legal matter.

Legal Disclaimer

The information provided is for general informational purposes only and should not be taken as legal advice. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, the law may change, and the information may not reflect the most current legal developments. No warranty is given regarding the accuracy or completeness of the information, and we do not accept liability in such cases. We recommend consulting with a qualified lawyer at Moeen & Co. Solicitors before making any decisions based on the information provided on this website.

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