Will I be prosecuted for possession of cocaine?

Getting caught with drugs can be a scary and confusing experience. Your concern about the DNA testing is a good example of this confusion. There are drug laws that set out the penalties for possession, but police can use their own judgement on arrest and charge based on the circumstances.

It’s not clear if you were arrested and charged. If you were caught by the police with the coke on you it would seem that the police would already know that it belonged to you without having to do a DNA test. But if the drugs were handed over to the police by the pub management and they didn’t know who you were then the DNA testing of drugs after confiscation is not known practice and, if used by the police, would be considered to be a civil liberties issue.

The best place for you to go for further advice on this is Release. They provide a legal services helpline on 020 7324 2989, or you can email them at [email protected].

Although you only wanted to know about the DNA testing, it is always important to find out about the risks and effects of cocaine use to ensure you stay safe. If you want confidential advice and information about your drug use, or want to find a support service near you, you can search the Frank database of local agencies.