Home Affairs Minister Adrian Earnshaw MHK (pictured) has voiced his support for changes to legislation that will see the 'legal high' drug Mephedrone (known as 'plant food') criminalised.

Minister for Health Eddie Teare MHK made the announcement following a wave of public and police anxiety surrounding the increased use and availability of legal highs on the Isle of Man.

Mr Earnshaw explained, "In the last 12 months, the Island’s treatment and support agencies have gone from reporting tiny numbers of alleged use of these legal highs to significant and perturbing levels of availability.

"I have been kept well informed by the police regarding their concerns and what is happening in the community as the problem has grown.

"The need for legislation has become clear although the focus has not been easy to target as the formula for these substances is simple to change and therefore hard to legislate against. It is important that we get this right and the legislation addresses the problems we are facing."

In conclusion, Mr Earnshaw thanked all those involved in the Legal Highs Strategic Working Group and indicated he will be giving his full support to Mr Teare for the forthcoming legislative changes.