Cannabis arrests resume in Lambeth

Police who ran a controversial "softly, softly" approach to cannabis possession in Lambeth will next week resume arresting people who smoke the drug in public.

The year-long pilot scheme in the south London borough, where people with small amounts of cannabis were warned rather than arrested, led to cannabis being smoked openly on some streets in and around Brixton. But the scheme is due to finish next Thursday.

From then, officers will be instructed to make arrests for personal possession if the drug is smoked openly, while driving, if they fear disorder, or if it is found on anyone under 17.

The move follows Home Secretary David Blunkett's recent decision to regrade cannabis from Class B to Class C, which led to allegations of confusion over the legal status of cannabis.

Some cannabis smokers had regarded Lambeth as a "safe haven" for using the drug, but from next week they will face a greater chance of arrest than before the drug was downgraded.

To clarify the situation, police in Lambeth are launching an advertising campaign laying out the new rules which will include leaflets in several languages to be handed out in public places and through letter boxes and posters in pubs and clubs.

Lambeth's acting borough commander, Brian Moore, said: "The aim of this campaign is to clearly explain to everyone in Lambeth that cannabis is illegal and will remain illegal.

"The new rules are adjustments to the cannabis warning scheme which means that, from 1 August, cannabis will still be seized and formal warnings issued. However, where aggravating circumstances apply, officers will be able to exercise discretion over whether to arrest."