COCAINE sales fell as dealers peddled new drugs on the streets, a report released in July revealed.
This was stated in the Chief Minister's drug and alcohol report 2009 to 2010.
The report states: "During 2009/10 some significant changes were observed on the illicit drug scene.
"On the supply side the main issues were: class A drugs were replaced by new substances on the streets with dealers claiming these had similar effects and were at a price 10 times cheaper. This was a typical infiltration of a new 'product' in this market - as a result Cocaine sales fell markedly.
"The supply of other drugs, such as Cannabis, was also falling - this was in line with earlier European survey results showing a decline."
Meanwhile the report shows that, over a period of 12 months reported in October 2009, a total of 196 people were in treatment/support - 135 men and 61 women.
Of them, 46 were new patients of the Drug and Alcohol team.
The report notes that poly substance abuse, which is two or more substances usually involving alcohol, is the norm with many users.
More than half the cannabis users were under 25 (45 out of 69) and all eight ecstasy users were under 25.
Most cocaine users fell into the 18 to 34 age group (22 out of 30) while 12 out of 24 heroin users were between 18 and 34.
Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the strategy Bill Malarkey MHK said in July: "While most young people who experiment with heavy/binge drinking and drug taking successfully change their behaviours as they enter adulthood and take on more responsibilities, some young people are particularly vulnerable to developing serious alcohol and/or drug problems.
"These may include young offenders, 'looked after' young people or young people in households where there is disruption and conflict as a result of problems among parents or other family members or just young people who may be at greater risk of developing drug/alcohol problems, as well as mental health problems such as depression and anxiety.
"Our treatment, support, education and community safety services have all worked tirelessly to provide help and advice and the many partnerships across all sections of the strategy continue to work together to provide opportunities to reduce the harms resulting from substance misuse."
He added: "Although we have been successful in arresting and detaining those involved in drug dealing in the Isle of Man it has been recognised that the most effective means of reducing the availability of drugs on the Island is to stop them getting here in the first place.
"The ports and airports anti drugs campaign has been developed to ensure anyone who wishes to risk bringing drugs to the Island is given a clear picture of the likely result of their endeavours, that is, imprisonment for a very long time.
"I am pleased to have been involved in this initiative, which will publicise our anti drugs message and our strong approach to dealing with drug dealers and traffickers."
The ports and airports anti drug campaign has featured posters, leaflets and beer mats at Island and North West England ports and airports. They stress the message about the penalties than can be handed out to drug dealers and couriers.
The campaign, which cost £50,000, was funded out of the seized assets fund - which consists of money that has been seized from criminals.
