Drugs and the law

Drug classes and penalties

The different kinds of illegal drugs are divided into three separate classes, each of which carries different levels of penalty for possession and dealing.

		Possession	Dealing
Class A	Ecstasy, LSD, heroin, cocaine, crack, magic mushrooms, amphetamines (if prepared for injection).	Up to seven years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.	Up to life in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Class B	Amphetamines, cannabis, methylphenidate (Ritalin), pholcodine.	Up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.	Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Class C	Tranquilisers, some painkillers, gamma hydroxybutyrate (GHB), ketamine.	Up to two years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.	Up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.

Drug driving

Driving while under the influence of drugs reduces your ability to drive safely. 

If convicted of driving while unfit through drugs, you could face:

• a minimum one year driving ban
• a fine of up to £5,000
• up to six months in prison

You can find out more about the dangers of drug driving on the Think! Road Safety website