[Guardian Unlimited] UK Drugs Act 2005 takes effect from 1 January. (03 Jan 2006)
External website: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2005/20050017.htm
Under the Drugs Act 2005, which came into effect in the UK on 1 January 2006, drug dealers who target schools or get children to act as couriers will face stiffer jail terms.
The new law also allows police to request x-rays from suspects they believe may have swallowed cocaine or heroin to avoid detection; officers will be able to hold suspected drug 'mules' for 192 hours, as opposed to the previous 96 hours. The government says the tougher measures are part of a clampdown on those selling illegal drugs on the streets of Britain.
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