§ Mr. McMasterTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what powers the police currently have to enter 107W commercial premises and private dwellings without permission to further their investigations of drug dealing, including the suspected trading of Temazepam; and if he will make a statement. [39192]
§ Lord James Douglas-HamiltonIn addition to the power to search premises by virtue of a common law warrant where an offence is suspected, constables have specific powers under section 23 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971.
Section 23(1) confers on constables certain powers to enter premises of persons carrying on business as a producer or supplier of any controlled drug. Section 23(3) enables constables to obtain warrants to enter any premises where it is suspected that certain offences under the Act are being committed.