Explanatory Note

This note is not part of this order, but is intended to indicate its general effect.

This order, which comes into force on 1 January 1999, adds listed benzodiazepines (a class of tranquilliser) to the list of Class C controlled drugs specified in Part 5 of Schedule 3 of the Misuse of Drugs Act 1975. This change is considered by the Government to be necessary to comply fully with its international treaty obligations, as a party to the United Nations Convention on Psychotropic Substances 1971.