Drugs Flashcards
What are the warning signs of drug misuse in young people?
- erratic patterns of sleep
- loss of appetite
- loss of interest in school work, hobbies and sports
- sudden mood changes from talkative and excitable to irritable and aggressive
- lies, secrecy
- unusual sports, sores and marks
- money and valuables disappearing
What are the warning signs of drug misuse in adults?
- absenteeism, sickness and poor timekeeping
- excessive visits to the toilet and extended breaks
- unreliable work performance, impaired memory and concentration
- withdrawal, depression and hostility
- borrowing or stealing money
What are the withdrawal symptoms suffered by drug users?
- nervousness, restlessness
- anxiety and depression
- enlargement of pupils
- muscle twitching
- severe aches in the back and legs
- hot and cold flushes
- increase in breathing rate, blood pressure and temperature
What is the act in relation to drugs?
Misuse of Drugs Act 1971
What are some examples of Class A drugs?
- heroin
- cocaine
- LSD
- ecstasy/ MDMA/ Mandy
- fungus
- Crystal meth
- methadone
What are some examples of Class B drugs?
- Amphetamines
- Barbiturates
- Cannabis
- Mephedrone
- Codeine
- Ketamine
What would you expect to see from an individual that is in possession with intent to supply/ administer drugs?
- scorched tinfoil, tinfoil tubes and matchbox covers
- syringes and needles
- scorched spoon
- small mirrors, razors and straws
- tiny spoons
- cigarette papers
- bloodstained cotton wool
- cling film
- scales
- individual bags
- multiple phones
- cash
- drugs in mass
If a constable has reasonable grounds to suspect that any person is in possession of a controlled drug in contravention of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, what may the constable do?
- search that person, and detain them for the purpose of searching them
- search any vehicle or vessel in which the constable suspects that the drug may be found
- seize and detain anything found in the course of the search which appears to be evidence of an offence under this act
Under section 23 Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, a person commits an offence if they do what?
- intentionally obstructs a person in the exercise of his powers under this section
- conceals form a person acting in the exercise of his powers
- without reasonable excuse, fails to produce any such books or documentation as are so mentioned when their production is demanded by a person in the exercise of his powers
What are the reasonable grounds to suspect for drugs?
- there must be something about their actions, conversation or the circumstances
- cannot be based on appearance solely
What is the full name of section 5(2) or the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971?
Possession of controlled drug
What does section 5(2) or the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 state?
- It is an offence for a person to have a controlled drug in his possession without authority
What must you prove under section 5(2) or the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971?
- the accused has the substance in their possession (admitting or handing it to you, finding it through search, questioning and observation)
- the accused knew they had something in their possession
- something in their possession was a controlled drug
- no authority such as doctors prescription to posses it
What is the action available to an officer in the offence of possession of cannabis?
- cannabis warning (can only be given once)
- Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND; can only be given once)
- Arrest
the options are shown in the order of escalation that would be expected
What are the aggravating factors relating to cannabis?
- public place or view
- locally identified policing problem
- protecting young people
- repeat or persistent offenders
- impact on the offender
Offenders aged 17 years or under in relation to cannabis
Must be dealt with under the provisions of section 65 of the Crime and Disorder Act 1998
- Reprimand
- Final warning
- Charge
What is section 5(4) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971?
- specific defence to unlawful possession
When can section 5(4) of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 be used as a defence?
- knowing or suspecting the drug to be a controlled drug, they took possession of it for the purpose of preventing another person from committing, continuing to commit an offence in connection with that drug and took the steps to destroy the drug or deliver it to custody
- when you are given something but you did not realise what the substance that you took was
*MUST be taken to the police station as soon as practicable
What are the defences to section 28 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971?
- lack of knowledge of the alleged fact
- lack of knowledge of a controlled drug
- the belief that it was a drug he or she was entitled to produce, supply and possess
What crimes are committed in order to afford drugs?
- theft
- robbing
- stealing peddle cycles
- prostitution
- shop lifting
- home burglaries
What are the impacts of drugs on the community?
- homelessness
- lack of job prospects
- domestic violence
What are the social impacts of drugs on the community?
- mental health problems
- shape the childrens future - ic3 male lads
- suicide
- incarceration
Are drug users victims or offenders? Why?
Both
- Victims - could be brought into this at a young age, could be doing it because of MH
- offenders - dealing, etc
What is the maximum imprisonment time for possessing class a drugs?
7 years if indictment
What does possession mean?
There are two elements to possession
1) physical - have it in your possession
2) mental - know that it is in your possession/ control
What are the everyday offences in relation to drugs?
- Possession
- Possession with intent to supply (PWIT)
- Supply a controlled drug
Who can be in lawful possession of drugs?
- Police officer
- Royal Mail
- Medical - doctor, paramedic
- Teacher
- Parent
- Customs at airports
- Forensic scientists
What is the maximum imprisonment time for possessing class B drugs?
5 years if indictment
What are some examples of class C drugs?
- GHB
- MCAT
- Banzodiazepines
What is the maximum imprisonment time for possessing class C drugs?
2 years if indictment
- can be less if less drugs are in possession
Why was the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016 brought in?
due to the legal highs
What does the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016 cover?
A psychoactive substance is a substance which is capable of producing a psychoactive effect in a person who consumes it and is not an exempted substance.
A person consumes a substance if the person causes or allows the substance, or fumes given off by the substance, to enter the person’s body in any way
How do Psychoactive Substance’s affect the body?
- stimulating or depressing the persons CNS
- affects the persons mental functioning or emotional state
What substances are exempt from the Psychoactive Substance Act 2016?
- smoking
- caffeine
- booze
