The new definitive guideline on drug offences will be used in all courts in England and Wales from 27 February 2012.

The Sentencing Council’s guideline brings sentencing guidance together for the first time to help ensure consistent and proportionate sentencing and provide effective guidance for sentencers and clear information for victims, witnesses and the public on how drug offenders are sentenced. Versions for the Crown Court and magistrates’ courts are available.

The Sentencing Council has also produced several sentencing scenarios to familiarise sentencers with the guideline’s approach and process.