Your Life

Drugs

Taking drugs can be extremely dangerous so it's important to find out the facts. There are many myths and stereotypes surrounding drugs – make sure you get the right information.

For this section we've teamed up with the Suffolk Drug Action Team to give you all the information you need to know about substance misuse, the effects, the risks, the legal issues and what to do in an emergency situation.


The actual drugs


The issues


Possession

This means being caught with an illegal drug for your own use. The police can tell your parent/s or carer. They could also inform the Social Services and the Probation Service.

As for punishment, the police have these options:

  • A formal warning (which is put on local police files - if you offend again this may influence the police to charge you, rather than caution you).
  • A formal caution (a central police record held for 5 years - if you offend again, this can be used against you).
  • To charge you with an offence leading to a Youth Court hearing (this is more likely for repeat offenders, who may end up with a fine or a custodial sentence).

Possession with intent to supply

If you had any intention of dealing (which can include giving and sharing drugs) you may be charged with this more serious offence.

Decisions over whether you're charged with intent to supply are based on the circumstances in which you were caught and the quantity of drugs you were caught with.

The police can take the same course of action as in simple possession cases, but this time you're more likely to be charged. If your case goes to court the penalties are likely to be heavier.


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NORCAS

NORCAS Youth Team is a county-wide service available to young people 19 years and under who may want support and information about drugs, alcohol and related issues.

Find out more about NORCAS

Visit the NORCAS website



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