Section 5 — Restriction of possession of controlled drugs

Penalty reference

Mode of trial

Either-way

Maximum penalty

Possession Class A: 7 years / unlimited fine. Class B: 5 years. Class C: 2 years. Supply: up to LIFE (Class A).

FPN / PND

£90 cannabis warning / £150 PND (cannabis or khat) — First-time, simple possession, small amount only — force discretion.

Out-of-court eligibility

✓ CR

✓ Caution

✓ Cond. Caution

Note: Drug Diversion Schemes operate in many forces — refer first-time low-level cannabis/cocaine personal use. PWITS = charge.

Triage the circumstances

Quick answers — the engine applies the College/CPS hard rules.