Within the UK, there are a number of criminal offences that aim to prevent the supply and misuse of drugs. Across the world, these substances have been known to damage the physical and mental health of users, causing addiction and harming people’s well-being.
Because of this, it’s against the law to possess, produce, supply, or import illegal drugs. These actions can result in fines or even prison sentences for offenders.
However, being charged with a serious drug offence will depend on the type of drug involved, the quantity possessed, and the intent. For instance, offences involving more dangerous drugs will increase the severity of the case, as will intent to supply or import these substances.
What makes a drug offence serious so serious you need a drug conspiracy solicitor? Find out below…
What types of drugs are the most serious?
There are a number of different classifications for drugs which are used to explain how dangerous the substance can be. The class of drug involved in an offence can massively impact the severity of the fine or prison sentence.
For instance, the maximum sentence for possession of a Class C drug is 2 year’s imprisonment and an unlimited fine. However, if caught in possession of a Class A drug, the maximum sentence can be up to 7 years in prison on top of an unlimited fine.
This is because Class A drugs are considered the most dangerous type of drug and can cause a massive amount of harm to users. Possession, supply, production and importation of Class A substances can lead to a serious drug offence.
Take a look at the different classes of drugs and their severity below…
Class A
Class A drugs are considered the most harmful form of drug available. The Advisory Council of the Misuse of Drugs, or ACMD, will advise parliament on what substances they think are dangerous enough to be considered a Class A drug.
These substances include:
- Crack cocaine
- MDMA/Ecstasy
- Heroin
- Magic mushrooms
- Cocaine
- LSD
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine/Crystal meth
As these substances are considered the most dangerous, any drug offence including them, is taken incredibly seriously and can result in the maximum penalties. In these cases, it is heavily advised that offenders seek the expertise of drug offence solicitors.
Class B
On the other hand, Class B drugs are considered less dangerous than Class A drugs but still more damaging than drugs found in Class C. Some of the drugs from this class may become a Class A drug if they have been properly prepared for injection.
A few examples of Class B drugs include:
- Amphetamines (Including drugs like Speed)
- Barbiturates
- Cannabis/Weed
- Codeine
- Ketamine
- Methylphenidate
- Synthetic cannabinoids
- Synthetic cathinones
Although an offence involving a Class B drug is not considered as serious as one involving Class A drugs, you can still be sentenced to years in prison and receive a hefty fine. Because of this, speaking to an expert drug offence solicitor is highly recommended.
Class C
The final class of drugs is Class C. The drugs that are considered Class C are believed to be the least dangerous, and offences involving these drugs will result in a more lenient sentence.
However, this does not mean that the misuse of Class C drugs will go unpunished. Offenders can still receive 2 years in prison for possession and up to 14 for supply or production.
Here are some examples of Class C drugs:
- Anabolic steroids
- Benzodiazepines
- Gamma hydroxybutyrate/GHB
- Gamma-butyrolactone
- Piperazines
- Khat
What type of drug offence is the most serious?
There are a number of different offences when it comes to drugs. These include possession, intent to supply, production, and importation. The severity of a drug offence will depend on which of these was committed and with what type of drug.
Here is a breakdown of these offences and the maximum sentences for each class of drug…
Importation, Supplier or Production
Importation is considered one of the most serious drug offences, and as such, the maximum penalties are severe for offenders. This is because it is illegal to import, export, or have any role in bringing drugs into the country, whether it is for personal use or distribution.
Additionally, supplying or producing drugs is considered a serious drug offence. Individuals committing these acts can receive the maximum sentence; however, the length of the sentence will depend on the class of drug involved.
Importing, supplying, or producing Class C, B, or Temporary Class drugs can result in up to 14 years imprisonment and a fine. Committing these acts with Class A drugs, however, is considered a much more serious offence and can result in a life sentence in addition to an unlimited fine.
Furthermore, those importing, producing or supplying people with psychoactive substances may receive a 7 year sentence.
Possession with intent to supply
In some instances, people found with drugs in their possession may have intent to supply. This may be considered the case if the individual is found in possession of more drugs than the average person would be able to use. Or if there is clear evidence that they planned to supply others with the drugs.
The severity of possession with intent to supply will depend on the class of drug found. These charges are in line with the consequences for supplying a maximum 14 years for Class C or B and a potential life sentence for Class A drugs.
However, it is rare for someone found with possession with intent to supply to be given the maximum sentence, particularly if found with Class C or B drugs.
Possession
Although being in possession of drugs for personal use is punishable by a much smaller sentence than importation or production, the consequences are still substantial.
If found in possession of Class A drugs, offenders may receive up to 7 years in custody on top of an unlimited fine. For Class B drugs, this is reduced to 5 years, and possession of Class C drugs will result in a maximum 2 year imprisonment.
These are, however, the maximum sentences, and first-time offenders possessing Class B or C drugs will often receive less.
Do you need help with a drug offence?
If you are facing charges for possession, supply, production, or the importation of drugs, get in touch with our drug offence solicitors today by using our simple contact form to request a call back or contacting us on one of the following numbers:
- Call 0333 009 5968 – for standard enquiries during office hours
- WhatsApp 07535 215140 – for 24/7 emergency support including police station representation