What to do if you are charged with possession of a controlled substance in the UK

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Nick Titchener

Managing Partner

In Brief

Possession offences are graded in severity depending on whether there is evidence of intent to supply. Sentencing depends not only on this but the category of controlled substance and the amount found. Class A drugs include cocaine and ecstasy and offences concerning these are the most serious. Class B includes speed and cannabis while class C includes anabolic steroids and khat. Where intent to supply is proven, sentences are significantly harsher even for a first offence, and often include long terms of imprisonment. 

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What is a possession of a controlled substance offence?

Essentially, the offence involves someone being in physical possession or control of a drug that they’re not legally entitled to possess. It applies as long as they know it’s in their possession, even if they’re not aware what the substance is.

Possession of a controlled substance is categorised in two different ways:

Both are criminal offences, but each has its own set of regulations and penalties. Regardless of the category, you should remember that every drug case is different and seeking expert advice for your specific situation is vital to ensure you receive fair legal treatment from the outset.

If you’re aged under 18 and found to be in possession of a controlled substance, the police are legally entitled to inform your parents, guardians or legal carers.

What is a controlled substance according to UK law?

A controlled substance is a drug that can have a harmful effect on a person’s health and welfare. Most – but not all – controlled substances are illegal.

Tobacco, alcohol and drugs used for medicinal purposes are classified as legal controlled substances.

What class does each controlled substance fall into?

Illegal controlled substances fall into the following categories and include:

  • Class A – crack cocaine, cocaine, ecstasy, heroin, LSD, magic mushrooms, methadone and methamphetamine
  • Class B – speed, cannabis, codeine, ketamine and some amphetamines
  • Class C – anabolic steroids, khat and GHB

What does ‘possession of a controlled substance’ mean?

Possession of a controlled substance is when you are found holding drugs, whether it be in your pocket, belongings, car or home. However, the offence does not just occur if you are found to be physically holding the drugs – you are considered to be in possession if you are in control of the drug.

The severity of the crime of possessing a controlled substance is determined by the following factors:

  • The amount of the drug
  • Previous history of offences, if any
  • The class of the substance
  • Your intent to supply or not

What happens if you are charged with ‘intent to supply’?

The predominant factor in drug possession cases is whether you are caught in possession for personal recreational use or whether you are accused of being in possession of a controlled substance ‘with intent’ to supply. If intent to supply is proven, the sentence is likely to be significantly harsher, even if it’s a first offence.

What happens if there is a history of drug use?

If there is a history of drug use, these cautions normally have a conditional clause of drug treatment, but not in all cases.

If you’re arrested or under suspicion of being in possession with intent to supply a controlled substance, an investigation is carried out to determine the significance of your role. This helps to determine a suitable level of punishment. The sentencing options and types of punishment vary enormously depending on the class of drugs and quantity, and what role is attributed to the individual concerned.

What if you didn’t know you were in possession of a controlled substance?

There are some cases where individuals are unaware they are holding drugs. If you had no idea that there were drugs in a jacket that you had been given to wear, your lack of knowledge would mean that for the purposes of the law, you would not be considered to be in possession of those drugs.

Of course, this explanation may not be believed and every case is considered on its merits. If, for example, you have a class A drug in your possession but you believe it to be a class C drug, you are still in possession of the controlled drug, even though you may have been mistaken as to its legal class or characteristics. It’s still a punishable offence and pleading ignorance would not be a valid defence.

What happens if you are caught with class A drugs?

Class A drugs are considered the most dangerous controlled substances and, as such, they receive the most severe of penalties. If you are found in possession of class A drugs, the police will act immediately, starting with an arrest and then questioning. Even the smallest amount of class A drugs warrants an arrest.

What happens if you are caught with class B or class C drugs?

If you are found in possession of some class B and C drugs, sentences aren’t as lengthy as for class A drugs, although they do have their own severe punishments. For example, if you are found in possession of a large amount of cannabis, it is punishable by a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment. Possession of khat is punishable by a sentence of 2 years’ imprisonment.

Are ‘legal highs’ really legal?

The consequences of taking psychoactive drugs – often labelled as ‘legal highs’ – are also often misunderstood. They provide the effects of stimulants, sedatives and hallucinogens and can be just as dangerous as class A drugs.

The Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 made the production, supply or offering to supply of psychoactive drugs for the effect of a ‘legal high’ illegal. Possession of psychoactive drugs is unlawful and can lead to serious penalties.

What happens when you are caught in possession of a controlled substance?

The controlled substance in question is first seized and tested. At the end of the case it will be destroyed. If you are issued with a warning or caution, the investigation will end there.What happens if you are charged with illegal drugs/ possession

If you are officially arrested, you will be booked in at the police station and kept for questioning. After questioning, you will either be sent away with a formal caution or charged with possession of a controlled substance. 

What happens if you are charged with possession of illegal drugs? Once charged, you may be released on bail, pending a court case and sentencing. Drug offences are ‘either way’ offences, with magistrates sometimes sending more serious cases to be heard at the Crown Court.

What are your rights if you are caught in possession of a controlled substance?

If you are caught in possession of a controlled substance, it is important to remember that you still have rights, including the right to consult with a solicitor. After you’ve been booked in at the police station, you must be given the choice to speak with a solicitor, free of charge. This will either be a duty solicitor, or a solicitor from a legal firm of your own choice. A phone call should also be made on your behalf to notify someone of your arrest.

Some of these rights can be delayed in certain rare cases, where the police have reason to believe that an investigation may be adversely affected if someone is aware of that person’s arrest. This sometimes arises in serious drug cases, where the police have reason to think that evidence may be destroyed if others become aware of that person’s arrest or the nature of an ongoing investigation.

If you are under the age of 18, an appropriate adult must be present during police questioning. The person can be a family member, social worker or friend over the age of 18.

It’s essential that you seek the legal drug possession advice of your solicitor to ensure the best possible result for your case.

If you have been arrested and found in possession of a controlled substance, then you should seek legal assistance, particularly if you have been given a court date. All cases are different and require their own individual process. Possession of a controlled substance is a serious offence and should not be taken lightly.

What is the sentence for possession of a controlled substance under UK law?

The specific maximum penalties for possessing a controlled substance will depend on factors including:

  • The type of drug
  • The amount you are found to be in possession of
  • Whether you are also producing the drug
  • Whether you are also dealing the drug

As a guideline:

Class Drug Possession Production/Supply
Class A Heroin, methadone, crack cocaine, cocaine, ecstasy (MDMA), LSD, magic mushrooms, 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 Cannabis, codeine, amphetamines, barbiturates, ketamine, methylphenidate (Ritalin), synthetic cannabinoids, synthetic cathinones (such as mephedrone and 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 (such as diazepam), GHB, GBL, piperazines (BZP), khat Up to 2 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.
Is not an offence to possess anabolic steroids for personal use.
Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both
Temporary Class Some methylphenidate substances (such as ethylphenidate, 3,4-dichloromethylphenidate (3,4-DCMP), methylnaphthidate (HDMP-28), isopropylphenidate (IPP or IPPD), 4-methylmethylphenidate, ethylnaphthidate, propylphenidate) and their simple derivatives None, but the police can remove a suspected temporary class drug Up to 14 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both

Note: This guide is intended to give general information only and not intended to be used as the basis upon which advice is given nor should it be relied upon as giving advice specific to a case or individual.

Lawtons do not accept liability for anyone using this guide. Should you require specific advice in connection with a real case or situation, please contact us so we can provide specific legal advice and assistance.

About the author

With years of experience in numerous serious legal cases including sexual offences, violence and assault, Nick Titchener is solicitor advocate of London-based solicitors Lawtons. Thanks to his measured and methodical approach, Nick is able to thrive on even complex cases.

FAQs on Possession of Controlled Substances

What happens if it’s a first-time possession of class A drugs?

If you are in possession of a controlled substance for recreational use, the amount is small and it’s your first offence, there is a reasonable chance that you will receive either a warning or caution rather than a custodial sentence.

What happens if you are caught with cannabis in the UK?

Cannabis is classified under a discretionary warning scheme. If you’re caught in possession of cannabis and it’s your first offence, it’s a small amount and you are cooperative with the police, then the guidance allows police officers to issue a warning, although they are also able to issue an immediate fine of £90. If it’s your second offence the police can issue a fixed-term fine and if you pay that within 21 days, you will not be faced with a criminal record.

What is the maximum sentence for possession of cocaine in the UK?

See the table above for a full breakdown of sentencing guidelines according to class. The highest possible sentence for possession of a class A controlled substance such as cocaine is up to 7 years in prison, an unlimited fine or both.

Can a possession of a controlled substance charge be dropped?

Much depends upon the class of substance involved and whether intention to supply drugs is suspected. For instance, it’s normal to receive a cannabis warning for first-time possession of a small amount of cannabis where an admission is made – an amount consistent with personal use. Other mitigating circumstances generally might include showing remorse, being of good character and admitting the offence. It would be highly unlikely to receive a caution for possession of class A drugs, however. Prosecution is usual in such cases.

What are the two ways to prove possession of a controlled substance?

Prosecutors must prove two things:
  1. The accused had the substance in their physical possession or under their control
  2. The accused knew the substance was in their possession, even if they didn’t understand what the substance was

How many years do you get for possession of class A drugs?

Although there are many variables – such as the quantity of drugs and your personal history – the maximum sentence is seven years in prison. If you’re charged with possession of class A drugs as a first offence, the court will treat you more leniently than if you have previous cautions or convictions concerning drugs.

What is considered drug possession?

  According to UK law, drug possession is ‘when a person is unlawfully in physical possession or in control of any substance’ covered by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. Even if drugs are not found in someone’s’ physical possession, they can still be liable if they’re in control of them. For example, they might have requested someone to look after drugs for them. Another stipulation is that the accused must know they’re in possession of the drugs.

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