Is possession of Class B drugs generally an arrestable offence?

• A. Generally not an arrestable offence
• B. Yes
• C. It depends on location
• D. Always not an arrestable offence

Answer: (A)

The main idea is how arrest without a warrant works and which offenses justify it. In the UK, arrest without a warrant is reserved for arrestable offenses. Simple possession of a Class B drug is not treated as an arrestable offense in routine cases. That means officers usually deal with it through other disposals—such as warnings, cautions, or referrals—rather than making an immediate arrest. Only in situations with aggravating factors—possession with intent to supply, large quantities, involvement in dealing, or other complicating circumstances—would an arrest be more appropriate. So, possession of Class B drugs is generally not an arrestable offense.