Crystal meth given class A grading
Crystal meth given class A grading
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Wednesday, 14, Jun 2006 01:21
Methylamphetamine, better known as crystal meth, is to be reclassified as a class A drug, the Home Office has announced.
The decision will place the drug, which delivers a 'rush' similar in intensity to that provided by crack cocaine, on the highest tier of drug grades alongside heroin, LSD and ecstasy.
Home Office minister Vernon Coaker said the decision to reclassify the drug came after evidence from other countries suggested its dangerous effects were greater than had previously been thought.
"Methylamphetamine is a very substantial problem in many countries outside the EU but not within it," he explained.
"Reports that the UK is on the verge of a crystal meth explosion have been repeated for some years but to date there has been no reliable evidence to support this.
"However, international experience shows it has the potential to be extremely damaging to individuals, families and communities."
Martin Barnes, chief executive of drug charity Drugscope, welcomed the upgrading of crystal meth, describing the decision as "a sensible precautionary measure".
"Moving crystal meth to Class A enables the police to direct resources towards monitoring its production and supply, and it can be included in drug tests for people charge with drug related offences."
But he rejected the reasons given by Mr Coaker for the decision, arguing that "suggestions that we may be on the verge of a crystal meth 'epidemic' would be
without foundation and alarmist".
Illegal drugs falling under the remit of the misuse of drugs act are classed into three categories, A, B and C, with varying penalties for possessing and dealing according to the level at which the drug is placed.
Those caught dealing in crystal meth after the reclassification takes place will face a maximum of life in prison or an unlimited fine, while possession of the drug carries a jail term of up to seven years.
Commander Simon Bray, in charge of fighting Methylamphetamine for the Metropolitan police, welcomed the decision, saying he was "pleased" that the drug would be "substantially easier to combat".
He pointed out that "it will also become possible to close down, for long periods, premises used as illicit 'meth' laboratories… as a result of this change, police forces will now include Methylamphetamine within their Class A enforcement strategies and people will be deterred by the penalties for making, dealing or using Methylamphetamine".