Ignorance, it's not bliss when the old Bill has caught you with dope…You might know the score but are you familiar with the law?

The Misuse of Drugs Act divides controlled drugs into three categories - Class A, Class B and Class C. Drugs are allocated a category according to how harmful they are considered to be, to the individual and society. Penalties varying accordingly.

Class A - includes cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, crack and LSD, as well as opium, morphine, and methadone. Magic mushrooms are classified as a Class A drug when they are dried, cooked, boiled, or crushed or prepared to be used as a drug. Class B drugs such as speed become Class A when they prepared for injection.
Maximum penalties: 7 years for possession and/or a fine; life imprisonment and/or a fine for supply.

Class B - amphetamine, methamphetamine, barbiturates and codeine.
Maximum penalties: 5 years in prison and/or a fine for possession, with 14 years in prison and/or a fine for supply.

Class C - includes mainly prescribed drugs such as tranquillisers, and cannabis.
Maximum penalties: 2 years in prison and/or a fine for possession, 5 years in prison and/or a fine for supply.

NB: Although the Government reduced the penalties for the possession of cannabis (see latest news at www.drugscope.org.uk), it still remains a criminal offence leading to a possible fine or prison sentence.

The Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 gives the police powers to stop and search persons, vehicles or vessels; to obtain search warrants to search properties; to seize anything which appears to be evidence of an offence; and to arrest persons suspected of having committed an offence under the Act.

The most common offence is 'possession of a controlled drug'. More serious offences are 'supply' and 'intent to supply'. Don't forget, 'supply' includes selling or even giving drugs to a friend. If you are caught with drugs, don't' think that saying that some are for a friend will get you off, it can make matters worse as you could also be convicted for supply.

If you do get into trouble, contact your solicitor or Release (www.release.org.uk ) as soon as possible for proper legal advice.