Drug users would face a three-strike system under new plans (Picture: Pexels/Nataliya Vaitkevich)
The proposals are part of a new Government effort to “tackle the scourge of substance abuse in society”
Recreational drug users could have their passports and driving licenses seized under new proposals announced by the Home Office.
In a new Government effort to “tackle the scourge of substance abuse in society”, people who use drugs like cocaine and cannabis in England and Wales would be subject to a three-strikes system.
The proposals have been published in a new white paper titled ‘Swift, Certain, Tough. New Consequences for Drug Possession’.
Under the proposals, first-time offenders would be required to pay for and attend a drug awareness course, facing a fine or prosecution if they do not attend.
Those found possession of drugs a second time would be cautioned, made to attend another drug awareness course, and face a mandatory, random drug testing period of up to three months.
If found with drugs a third time, they would likely be charged and upon conviction, as part of a civil court order, and could be banned from certain venues like a nightclub. They could also be given a drug tag to monitor usage, and have their passports or driving licenses confiscated.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “Drug misuse puts lives at risk, fuels criminality and serious and violent crime, and also results in the grotesque exploitation of young, vulnerable people.
“We are cracking down on drug use with tougher consequences for so-called recreational drug users who will face the consequences of their actions through sanctions, including fines and conditions to attend rehabilitation courses, while drug offenders could have their passports and driving licences confiscated.
To Read The Rest Of This Article By Hollie Geraghty on RollingStone
Published: July 18, 2022
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