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Crystal Meth to be reclassified as a Class A Drug

14 June 2006

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker announced today (Wednesday 14 June 2006) that methylamphetamine, or ‘crystal meth’, will be re-classified as a Class A drug.

Mr Coaker said:

“The decision to re-classify the drug is based on international experience and has been taken on the advice of the Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs (ACMD).

“Countries have to decide how to respond to a drug when it has no significant prevalence but potential for serious social problems. Methylamphetamine is a very substantial problem in many countries outside the European Union (EU) but not within it. Reports that the United Kingdom (UK) is on the verge of a crystal meth explosion have been repeated for some years but to date there has been no reliable evidence to support this.

“However, international experience shows it has the potential to be extremely damaging to individuals, families and communities. It is on this basis that the ACMD recommend we reclassify it, fully supported by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) of England, Wales and Northern Ireland and we accept their advice.”

Methylamphetamine is most commonly known by its street name of crystal meth. It is a derivative of amphetamine but it is much more potent than other forms of the drug, with potential for greater physical and psychological harm.

When smoked, the crystallised form of methylamphetamine, known as 'crystal meth', produces a very intense 'rush' similar to that produced by crack cocaine. This can quickly become highly addictive and long-term abuse can lead to severe addiction. Chronic use can also lead to psychotic behaviour, characterised by paranoia and hallucinations and violent behaviour.  It is also known as speed, ice, crystal or yabba.

Simon Bray, ACPO lead on methylamphetamine and Commander in the Metropolitan Police Service, said:

“ACPO is pleased that on the advice of ACMD, the Home Secretary has decided that methylamphetamine is to be reclassified as a Class A drug.

“The serious and well documented dangers associated with production and use of this drug in all its forms will now be substantially easier to combat as a result of this reclassification. It will also become possible to close down, for long periods, premises used as illicit ‘meth’ laboratories (a power for Class A drugs only). As a result of this change, police forces will now include methylamphetamine within their Class A enforcement strategies and people will be deterred by the penalties for making, dealing or using methylamphetmine.”

 
Notes to Editors

1. Mr Coaker made the announcement while giving evidence to the House of Commons Science and Technology Select Committee today (Wednesday 14 June).
2. The ACMD is an independent body comprising experts from a range of backgrounds in the drugs field.
3. Until now the ACMD had recommended, and the Home Office agreed, that methylamphetamine would remain classified as a Class B drug. The ACMD has now revised this advice. The Home Office is re-classifying the drug on the basis of this, and evidence from ACPO about its effect in other countries, despite its lack of prevalence in the UK. The ACMD’s advice, set out in its letter to the Home Secretary on 5 June, is published at www.drugs.gov.uk. (new window)Possession of a Class A Drug may attract a penalty of up to seven years in prison or unlimited fine, or both. Supply may attract a penalty of up to life imprisonment plus an unlimited fine, or both.
4. The incidence and use of controlled drugs in the UK is monitored by police and customs officials, in particular with seizure data and intelligence.
5. Methylamphetamine is one of a group of a psychostimulant drugs called amphetamines that act on the brain and nervous system. Amphetamines are controlled drugs under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 as Class B drugs (and Class A when prepared for injection). Methylamphetamine is a synthetic stimulant, usually found in powder form and can be taken orally (tablets), snorted, smoked or injected. It is a drug which has powerful effects on mood and behaviour.
6. Methylamphetamine is associated with a range of legal, health, social and environmental harms. Use of methylamphetamine is long-standing or has recently emerged in the following countries: Australia, China, Japan, Philippines, Thailand and USA.
7. Use of Methylamphetamine is associated with increased libido, unsafe sex and increased risk of disease transmission. A number of studies have identified an association between risky sexual behaviour and methylamphetamine, particularly among sex workers. It can bring on a feeling of exhilaration and produces increased arousal and activity levels. It also reduces tiredness and suppresses appetite. It causes a rapid heart rate and a rise in blood pressure, and the higher the dose the greater these effects. Other acute effects reported include agitation, paranoia, confusion and violence.
8. As with other amphetamines, methylamphetamine is a drug that affects the brain reward pathways and continued use can lead to the need to take more to achieve the same effects and can lead to psychological and physical dependence. Using the drug by intravenous injecting or by smoking is particularly liable to lead to such addiction.
   Smoking the purer crystalline form (also known as 'crystal meth' or 'ice') produces a very intense 'rush' similar to that produced by crack cocaine but longer-lasting between four and 12 hours. This is highly reinforcing and can quickly become highly addictive. The greater potency of the 'ice' form, particularly when smoked, makes it a greater threat than other forms of amphetamine. In cases of overdose, stroke, pulmonary, renal and gastrointestinal disorders are also seen, and coma and death can occur.
   

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