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Drug classification in the UK

In the UK, illegal drugs are classified into three main categories. They can be Class A, B or C, with A attracting the most serious punishments and fines.

Class A

Drugs such as heroin, methadone, cocaine, crack and Ecstasy, LSD and amphetamines (speed) if prepared for injection fall into Class A.
Conviction for possession, in a Crown Court, can lead to a maximum seven year prison sentence and a fine.
The maximum penalty for trafficking is life imprisonment plus a fine.

Class B

Class B drugs include amphetamines (speed), and barbiturates.
The maximum penalty for possession of a Class B drug, if the case reaches Crown Court, is five years, plus a fine.
For trafficking, the sentence can be up to 14 years, plus a fine.

Class C

Class C, the lowest class of drugs, includes mild amphetamines (such as slimming tablets) and Anabolic Steroids.
Benzodiazepine drugs such as Valium are also categorised as Class C drugs.
Maximum sentences are two years for possession and five years for trafficking.

Under the Misuse of Drugs Act (1971), it is an offence:
to unlawfully possess a controlled drug
to possess a controlled drug with intent to supply it
to unlawfully supply (sell/give/share) a controlled drug
to allow premises you occupy or manage to be used for the smoking or use of drugs

For more details on this and more recent legislation, check http://drugs.homeoffice.gov.uk/drugs-laws/