SIA Drug Awareness 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which class does cocaine fall into?
- Class B
- Class A (Correct answer)
- Class C
- It is not classified under this Act
Correct answer: Class A
Cocaine is classified as a Class A drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, carrying the most severe penalties for possession and supply.
Question 2: What is the maximum prison sentence for possession of a Class A drug in the UK?
- 2 years
- 5 years
- 7 years (Correct answer)
- 14 years
Correct answer: 7 years
Possession of a Class A drug carries a maximum sentence of 7 years' imprisonment and/or an unlimited fine under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Question 3: Which of the following is a common physical sign of cocaine use?
- Constricted pupils and drowsiness
- Dilated pupils and frequent sniffing (Correct answer)
- Bloodshot eyes and slow reactions
- Excessive yawning and watery eyes
Correct answer: Dilated pupils and frequent sniffing
Cocaine is a stimulant that causes dilated pupils, increased energy, talkativeness, and frequent sniffing or touching of the nose due to nasal irritation from snorting.
Question 4: Cannabis was reclassified in the UK in 2009 from Class C back to which class?
- Class A
- Class B (Correct answer)
- It remained Class C
- It was decriminalised
Correct answer: Class B
Cannabis was reclassified from Class C to Class B in January 2009, increasing the maximum penalty for possession to 5 years' imprisonment.
Question 5: As a door supervisor, if you find a small amount of suspected drugs on a patron during a search, what should you do FIRST?
- Dispose of the substance immediately in the bin
- Confiscate it, place it in a sealed bag, and inform the police (Correct answer)
- Allow the person entry but confiscate the drugs
- Arrest the person and detain them until police arrive
Correct answer: Confiscate it, place it in a sealed bag, and inform the police
Door supervisors should confiscate the substance, seal it in a bag with details recorded, deny entry, and contact the police. Disposing of drugs is illegal and destroying evidence.
Question 6: Which of the following drugs is classified as Class C in the UK?
- MDMA
- Amphetamines
- Ketamine (Correct answer)
- Heroin
Correct answer: Ketamine
Ketamine was reclassified as a Class B drug in 2014. However, benzodiazepines, GHB, and anabolic steroids remain Class C. Note: This question tests awareness that ketamine was upgraded to Class B in June 2014.
SIA Drug Awareness 1
Under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971, which class does cocaine fall into?