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Swift, Certain, Tough: new consequences for drug possession

18 July 2022

Proposing MP
Witham
Type
Written Ministerial Statement
Department
Home Office

At a Glance

Issue Summary

The Minister for Crime, Policing and Criminal Justice is announcing a white paper titled 'Swift, Certain, Tough: new consequences for drug possession' which proposes an escalatory framework of sanctions for illicit drug use.

Action Requested

The minister has published the white paper along with a public consultation that will run for 12 weeks. The document invites consideration on proposed legislative changes and broader reforms aimed at reducing recreational drug use through deterrence and intervention measures.

Key Facts

  • White paper titled 'Swift, Certain, Tough: new consequences for drug possession' published.
  • Consultation period of 12 weeks opened today.
  • Proposes a three-tier framework for sanctions on illicit drug possession.
  • Tier 1 includes fixed penalty notices or attendance at drugs awareness courses.
  • Tier 2 introduces mandatory drug testing and additional cautions.
  • Tier 3 involves criminal charges with new civil court orders for conditions like exclusion orders, drug tagging, passport confiscation, or driving licence disqualification.
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