Prosecution Guidance on Drug Offences
Plain-English digest of CPS prosecution guidance.
AI-generated summary — not verbatim. This is a plain-English digest, not the official CPS text. It may omit detail or fall out of date. Do not rely on it for a charging decision — read the full guidance on cps.gov.uk and check the current legislation.
This prosecution guidance document outlines the framework and considerations for prosecuting drug-related offences, including possession, supply, and production of controlled substances under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. It highlights key aspects such as evidential requirements, public interest factors, and specific categories of drug offences, including new substances and temporary class drug orders. The guidance also addresses issues like 'County Lines' drug trafficking and the handling of young and vulnerable individuals.
Key points
- Possession requires unlawful control of substances classified under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
- Prosecutors should consider the public interest before proceeding with drug-related charges.
- Sections relating to supply offences cover a wide range of actions, from offering to supply to being concerned in the supply.
- 'County Lines' presents unique challenges in prosecuting drug dealers who exploit vulnerable individuals.
- Temporary Class Drug Orders allow for rapid classification of drugs in response to emerging threats.
Public-interest factors
- Seriousness of the offence
- Previous convictions of the defendant
- Potential harm to the community
- Vulnerability of the victims involved
- Circumstances surrounding the drug use
- Availability of diversionary options for offenders
This is a factual digest of guidance published by the Crown Prosecution Service. Digested 2026-07-15. BlueLineHub is independent and not affiliated with the CPS.