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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Drug arrest by cop boss
Greg Truscott South London Press
Friday 23 Jan 2004 LAMBETH'S top cop made clear the policy on cannabis on the eve of its on cation when he arrested a man alleged to have been openly smoking the drug in the middle of Brixton. Commander Dick Quinn was on patrol in Brixton High Road when he spotted a man smoking what he suspected to be a cannabis joint. The chief superintendent, who is known for his tough stance on drugs, arrested the man, who was then taken to a South London police station. The arrest, just days before cannabis is downgraded from a class-B to class-C drug, is likely to send a clear message to users that, despite its change in its legal status, police will arrest people openly smoking or dealing the drug. Commander Quinn told the South London Press: "The law is clear. Those smoking cannabis in public, repeatedly offending, found in possession near youth premises such as schools, or who are under 17, will be arrested. Lambeth police are not prepared to tolerate those who openly flout the law on cannabis or any other offences." When cannabis is reclassified on Thursday it will still remain illegal. Supplying, dealing or cultivating the drug is punishable with up to 14 years' imprisonment. Possession of the drug is punishable with two years in jail, but police will caution adults where there are no aggravating circumstances. Smoking the drug in public places, repeatedly being caught in possession of the drug, possession near schools or youth clubs, or possession by under 17s, will result in arrest.
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