Additional public information seminars are to be staged this week to provide up to date information on the latest drugs of concern.
The seminars in Ramsey on Wednesday (14th April) and Peel on Thursday (15th April) aim to provide the latest information to people of all ages.
The seminars take place as the Home Office announces mephedrone – ‘plant food’ – will be made illegal to possess from 16th April.
Its classification as a Class B drug under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 is automatically extended to the Isle of Man.
Possession of a Class B drug has a penalty of up to five years in prison or an unlimited fine or both. Possession with intent to supply or supplying a Class B drug has a penalty of up to 14 years in prison or an unlimited fine or both.
Bill Malarkey MHK, Member of the Department of Home Affairs with responsibility for the Chief Minister’s Drug and Alcohol Strategy, urges people to attend the seminars this week if they have any concerns about any drugs.
"These seminars focus on legal highs, which are causing much concern at present but they provide access to information on the risks and effects of any drugs, depending on the concerns people may have.
"The seminars are suitable for young people, parents or anyone in the community who has concerns about drugs."
The first one-hour seminar will be staged at 7pm at Ramsey Town Hall, followed the next evening, at the same time, at the Philip Christian Centre in Peel. Admission is free.
Margaret O’Reilly, Director of Drug and Alcohol Policy, will be co-hosting the seminar along with Allan Johnston of Scottish Training on Drugs and Alcohol (STRADA).
She said, "We all know that drug misuse has wide ranging implications for the local community and a lot of hard work is taking place to raise awareness of the risks and effects of emerging drugs of concern.
"We would urge people of all ages to come along and use this as an opportunity to ask any questions relating to drug issues."
The one hour seminars, which are currently being advertised by posters, are part of a co-ordinated cross government campaign involving the Department of Home Affairs in partnership with the Departments of Health, Social Care and Education and Children and the voluntary sector.
Anyone who has information about those who are involved with any illegal drug should contact Police Headquarters on 631212.
A reward may be payable as a result of your information. You may also contact Isle of Man Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Crimestoppers is an independent Manx charity established to enable callers to pass information regarding criminal activity anonymously.
Crimestoppers is not an agency of the Police and will never ask callers for any personal details.
