THE number of people convicted of cannabis possession by Dyfed-Powys Police has significantly reduced since 2012, as calls for legalisation grow louder.

In 2012, 499 people were found guilty in court of cannabis possession, according to figures from the Ministry of Justice. However, by 2017 this number had dropped by 61 per cent, to 196.

Niamh Eastwood, executive director of drug legislation charity Release, said: “The fall in the number of prosecutions for drug possession offences, and in particular cannabis possession, has largely been a result of the significant decrease in the use of stop and search.”

Of those successfully prosecuted by Dyfed-Powys Police, 160 were given a fine or discharge, while three received prison sentences.

Cannabis possession charges made up 54 per cent of the total drugs possession offences Dyfed-Powys Police achieved in court. Cannabis is the most commonly used drug in the UK.

“This trend is welcomed as low-level possession offences should not be a priority for police,” added Ms Eastwood.

At the moment the Association of Chief Police Officers only recommends arresting someone for having cannabis for personal use, after they have been given a warning and separately an £80 penalty notice.

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