The possibilities of travelling abroad are endless provided you haven’t got a criminal record relating to drugs.

As summer and the end of the academic year is fast approaching, many young people and students alike are making plans to travel through Europe, the far East, and America during the summer holidays or gap year. But remember a drug related criminal record can seriously damage the prospects of entering the country or getting a job.

Despite many misconceptions cannabis is still illegal in England and possession of it is an arrestable offence, resulting in a criminal record.

The penalty for possession can be up to two years in prison plus an unlimited fine. Anyone caught growing cannabis or carrying a large amount, risk being charged with intent to supply and this carries a possible prison sentence of up to 14 years plus an unlimited fine.

Martyn Munro, Health Promotion Specialist, Surrey Primary Care Trust, said: “Some people think cannabis is harmless just because it’s a plant – but it isn’t harmless. Cannabis, like tobacco, has lots of chemical ‘nasties’, which can cause lung disease and cancer with long-term or heavy use, especially as it is often mixed with tobacco and can make asthma worse.

He added: There is also increasing evidence of a link between cannabis and mental health problems such as schizophrenia. For anyone with a history of mental health issues, such as depression or suffers paranoia, taking cannabis is highly unrecommended.”

Cannabis is a Class C drug and the police will always take action if someone is caught with it. So play it safe, and say ‘no’ to drugs.

West Surrey Superintendent Operations, Adrian Harper said: “Surrey Police is one of 19 forces participating in a national crackdown on the cultivation and supply of cannabis in this country. The same gangs that deal in heroin and cocaine also supply cannabis and are linked to serious crime, often using mass production of cannabis to raise cash quickly.”

There have already been nine arrests for possession of cannabis this year.

The police are also cracking down on ‘cannabis factories’ where cannabis is being produced in large quantities on private property. Any occupier or manager of premises who allows them to be used for the production, supply or smoking of cannabis is breaking the law. This also has a serious public safety risk because the bypassing of electricity needed to run the factories causes a high risk of fire and electrocution, and there have already been a number of fires across the UK. No one should enter a cannabis factory until it has been secured by the police and made safe by electricity providers.

Criminals running illegal cannabis factories can expect to be arrested, their businesses closed down, and their assets seized.

If you would like advice on the dangers of drugs please go to: www.talktofrank.com

For up-to-date news visit: www.surrey.police.uk

If you have any queries or would like further information, please contact:

LORRAINE KERSWILL, TEL: 01483 444210

COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER FOR SAFER GUILDFORD PARTNERSHIP ON

NICOLA BURRESS, TEL: 01483 653924

PRESS AND PUBLICITY OFFICER FOR WEST SURREY POLICE