The document discusses strategies to reduce crime through illegal drugs laws. It outlines the classification system for illegal drugs from Class A to C, with Class A drugs like cocaine and heroin carrying the most serious punishments. It also discusses some current drug laws and suggested changes, as well as the debate around cannabis being reclassified from a Class B to Class C drug and then back to Class B. The document provides arguments for and against legalizing cannabis and considers it is less harmful than alcohol and tobacco but that it may be a gateway drug and its strength has increased.

1. STRATEGIES TO REDUCE CRIME
ILLEGAL DRUGS
Using, buying or selling controlled drugs is a crime. Illegal drugs are put
into three categories according to how dangerous they are. This is known
as Class A, B and C.
Getting caught with illegal drugs even for your own personal use is a very
serious offence and can land you in with a large fine or time in prison. It
could even stop you visiting other parts of the world, such as the USA.
Categories of Drugs
Classification
Examples
Punishment for
possession
A
Cocaine,
Heroin,
Ecstasy
B
Cannabis,
Up to 5yrs in prison
Speed,
and/or unlimited fine
Amphetamine
Up to 14yrs in prison
and/or unlimited
fine
C
Ketamine,
Up to 5yrs in prison
and/or unlimited
fine
Tranquillisers
Up to 7yrs in prison
and/or unlimited fine
Punishment for
supplying/dealing
Up to 2yrs in prison
and/or unlimited fine
Up to life in prison
and/or unlimited
fine

2. Some Current Drug Laws
Misuse of drugs Act
 It is an offence to possess, supply or deal controlled drugs
Proceeds of crime Act, 2002
 SCDEA (drugs police) can seize assets of convicted drug dealers
Anti-Social behaviour Act, 2004
 Police can enter and close down premises for drug taking i.e. if people
are taking drugs in a pub or club they can be closedown
Misuse of Drugs Act, 2005
 Changed cannabis from Class C drug back up to Class B Drug
Suggested changes
 Ban the sale of drug taking equipment i.e. bongs
 Tougher laws/changes in the law to ban so-called ‘legal highs’
Cannabis
Cannabis was changed from a Class B drug to a
Class C drug in 2004, making it carry less of a
punishment BUT still making it illegal.
HOWEVER, after new research into the effects
of cannabis on health the government moved
in back to Class B in 2008. Some people believe
that Cannabis should have remained a Class C
drug or should even be legal!

3. Arguments For making Cannabis
legal
Arguments Against making
Cannabis legal
It is less harmful than alcohol and
tobacco. Many argue that both of
these are far more addictive than
cannabis and do much more
damage to your health
Cannabis is getting stronger. The
most common type of cannabis is
called ‘skunk’ it is 3 times stronger
than it was 10yrs ago due to better
growing techniques. This makes it
more dangerous
Legal in other countries. Some
argue that in countries like
Holland cannabis is legal in
certain areas. This has proven
crime does not increase when it is
legal
There is evidence that it can be
addictive and is liked to mental
illness particularly in teenagers.
Increased use can lead to greater
health problems
Lack of evidence that it is
harmful. The Advisory council on
the misuse of drugs, found little
evidence that cannabis is
associated with mental illness.
Increase in convictions. In recent
years the number of people
arrested for driving whilst ‘high’ or
under the influence of cannabis has
increased.
The UK has one of the toughest
laws on cannabis but one of the
highest uses. This is a waste of
police time, would free up police
to deal with more serious and
more harmful drugs
Gateway drug. Many argue that a
lower classification or making it
legal makes the step into drug
taking easier. People start with
cannabis and then this leads on to
taking cocaine or heroin to get a
better ‘high’
ACTIVITIES
1.
Take the heading ‘Strategies to Reduce Crime – Illegal Drugs’
2.
Explain, in detail, why some people think Cannabis should
remain illegal. Remember to use PEET (this is because…)