There are two main laws regarding drugs - the ´Medicines Act´ and the ´Misuse of Drugs Act´. The first of these deals with the way medicines are made and supplied. The second bans the non-medical use of certain drugs. The Misuse of Drugs Act This places drugs in different classes - A, B and C. The penalties for offences involving a drug depend on the class it is in, and will also depend on individual circumstances. Class A Drugs These carry the highest penalty. Class A Drugs include Amphetamines(if prepared for injection), Cocaine and Crack, Ecstasy and other drugs similar to ecstasy, Heroin, LSD, Magic Mushrooms (if prepared for use). Maximum sentences are as follows: Possession: 7 years prison and/or a fine; Possession with intent to supply or supply: life imprisonment and/or a fine. Class B Drugs Class B Drugs include amphetamines and cannabis. Maximum sentences are as follows: Possession: 5 years prison and/or a fine; Possession with intent to supply or supply: 14 years prison and/or a fine. Class C Drugs Class C Drugs include anabolic steroids, Temazepam and some other tranquillisers. Maximum sentences are as follows: Possession: 2 years prison and/or a fine; Possession with intent to supply or supply: 5 years prison and/or a fine. Possession The issue here is not only ownership but also control. If the drug does not technically belong to you but you still have it in your control, then it is you that will face the charge, as well as the person to whom it technically belongs. Supply You do not need to have been paid with money for the drug. You could have been given property or even had nothing in return and the situation would still be one of supply. Possession with intent to supply If you have bought a couple of ecstasy tablets for example, one for you and one for a friend, then you are in possession of drugs with intent to supply. As you can see, it is extremely easy to be caught on the wrong side of the law and face very stiff sentences once you begin getting involved with drugs. Many of you will perhaps know people or know of people who have been caught with drugs and have not had the above punishments handed out. These are the maximum sentences, ie they could happen. If it is the first time you have been caught with an illegal drug, you may be given a warning by the police, or they may decide to give you a formal caution. This is much more serious. Your name will be kept on police records for five years, and if you are caught again it will mean bigger trouble. But remember, even if it´s the first time you´ve been caught with drugs, the police may decide to take you to court.