Drugs Act 2005

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Drugs Act 2005 [1]
Royal Coat of Arms of the United Kingdom (variant 1, 1952-2022).svg
Long title An Act to make provision in connection with controlled drugs and for the making of orders to supplement anti-social behaviour orders in cases where behaviour is affected by drug misuse or other prescribed factors.
Citation 2005 c 17
Territorial extent  England and Wales, except that so far as it amends or repeals any enactment, this Act has the same extent as the enactment amended or repealed. [2]
Dates
Royal assent 7 April 2005
Status: Amended
Text of statute as originally enacted
Revised text of statute as amended

The Drugs Act 2005 (c 17) is an Act of the Parliament of the United Kingdom relating to drugs offences.

Contents

Provisions

Under the act, people caught with a certain quantity of drugs are automatically presumed to be supplying, rather than the lesser charge of possession. [3]

The act allows first-time offenders testing positive for drugs to be obliged to attend a mandatory drug assessment specialist workers and receive help into treatment even if not charged. [4] [5]

Under the act, all adults arrested for 'trigger' crimes, including robbery, burglary and prostitution, which could have been committed to buy drugs, are be tested for narcotics. [6]

Those who test positive for a Class A drug may be required to take part in an assessment and also a follow-up assessment. [7]

References

  1. The citation of this Act by this short title is authorised by section 24(1) of this Act.
  2. The Drugs Act 2005, sections 24(6) and (7)
  3. Wilkins, Lucy (14 October 2005). "Line between possession and supply". BBC News. Archived from the original on 7 June 2025. Retrieved 30 August 2025.
  4. "Compulsory tests for drug misusing offenders". Community Care . 30 November 2005. Archived from the original on 31 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  5. "Sergeant spearheads instant drug testing". Manchester Evening News. 18 January 2013 [2013-01-12]. Archived from the original on 31 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  6. "Police chief calls for debate over drugs legalisation". Oxford Mail. 25 February 2006. Archived from the original on 31 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.
  7. Edwards, Anthony (3 August 2007). "Criminal law". Law Society Gazette. Archived from the original on 31 August 2025. Retrieved 31 August 2025.