Recreational drug users in England and Wales could be fined or forced to pay for a drug awareness course, under new proposals announced by the Home Office.
People who do not comply with the penalties risk losing their passports and driving licences as the government continues the tackle the “scourge” of substance abuse in society.
Published in a white paper titled Swift, Certain, Tough. New Consequences for Drug Possession, first-time offenders would be subject to a “three strikes”-style deterrent under the new rules, which includes a increased fixed penalty notice or notice of intended prosecution.
Drug users who are then caught for a second time would be cautioned, ordered to attend another drug awareness course, and face a period of mandatory, random drug testing for a period of up to three months.
People found with illicit substances on a third occasion are likely to be charged, and upon conviction—as part of a civil court order—could be subject to an exclusion order banning them from nightclubs and entertainment venues, with their passports or driving licences confiscated. The proposals, which follow the publication of the 10-year drugs strategy in December, will be subject to a 12-week public consultation.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said the move shows the government is “cracking down on drug use,” adding that: “Drugs are a scourge across society. They devastate lives and tear communities apart. Drug misuse puts lives at risk, fuels criminality and serious and violent crime and also results in the grotesque exploitation of young, vulnerable people.
“In line with our strategy to tackle the harmful consequences of drugs, we aim to reverse the rising trend of substance use in society, to protect the public from the harm and violence of drug misuse.”
