The penalties depend on the type of drug or substance, the amount, and whether its possession, dealing or producing.
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.
|
Drug |
Possession |
Supply and production |
Class A |
Crack cocaine, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone, methamphetamine (crystal meth) |
Up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
Up to life in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
Class B |
Amphetamines, barbiturates, cannabis, codeine, ketamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (for example mephedrone, methoxetamine) |
Up to 5 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
Class C |
Anabolic steroids, benzodiazepines (diazepam), gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), gamma-butyrolactone (GBL), piperazines (BZP), khat |
Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both (except anabolic steroids - it's not an offence to possess them for personal use) |
Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
Temporary class drugs |
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 |
None, but police can take away a suspected temporary class drug |
Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both |
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