Recreational drug users could have passports and driving licences confiscated under new plans in government crackdown | Politics News

Recreational drug users in England and Wales could have their passports and driving licenses confiscated under new proposals announced by the government.

The latest crackdown on medicine Social use will also see casual cocaine and marijuana users face fines and have to take drug courses.

The government says tougher penalties will help tackle the “scourge” of substance abuse in society.

That’s because recent statistics show more than three million people in England and Wales in 2019/20 reported drug use in the last year.

The proposals were published in a white paper titled “Quick, Sure, Hard. New Consequences for Drug Possession”.

The tougher escalating penalties that recreational drug users in England and Wales could face include:

• First-time offenders must pay and take a drug awareness course

• If first-time offenders fail to attend a course, they must file an increased Fixed Penalty Notice or face prosecution

• Those found to be using drugs a second time will be warned, sent to a drug awareness course and will face mandatory time, random drug testing during their time up up to three months.

• Offenders caught a third time may be charged and, upon conviction, as part of a civil court order, may be subject to an exclusion order that prohibits them from going to a specific location such as a nightclub. .

• Third-time offenders may also be issued a drug tag that tracks their use, and has their passports and driver’s licenses confiscated.

‘The trend of using stimulants is increasing in society’

The proposals, following the release of the 10-year drug strategy in December, will be subject to a 12-week public comment period.

Interior Minister Priti Patel said the move showed the government was “suppressing drug use”.

“Drugs are a scourge across society. They wreak havoc on lives and divide communities,” Ms. Patel said.

“Drug abuse puts your life at risk, fuels serious and violent crime and crime, and leads to the brutal exploitation of young, vulnerable people.”

She added: “In line with our strategy to address the harmful consequences of drugs, we aim to reverse the growing trend of substance use in society, to protect the public and to protect the public. them from the harm and violence of drug abuse.