Tynwald backs move to modernise approach to drugs

There had been "phenomenal arrest rates" for crimes related to drugs in the Isle of Man

A move to modernise the Isle of Man Government's approach to illegal drugs has been backed in Tynwald.

The principles to inform the island's future drug policy, developed by the Department of Home Affairs, follows the publication of an independent review on the harms of illegal drugs.

Home Affairs Minister, Jane Poole-Wilson said the report was "a first step", and while it did not present solutions, it outlined a "framework" for the government's approach.

Core areas to work on were the improvement of treatment for drug-users, a shift in the approach of dealing with drug offenders and a commitment to safeguard children from risks of exploitation.

Education, early interventions, improved data collection and raising awareness to destigmatise drug users were also among the goals.

MLC Bill Henderson said there had been "phenomenal arrest rates" for crimes related to drugs, organised crime and money laundering in recent years, and added the amount of drug recovery was "frightening".

Joney Faragher MHK said the current drug laws work to "criminalise and harm people" and added that she was concerned about the "long-term impacts" of criminal records particularly for young people.

While MLC Dawn Kinnish said regulation was the way forward to "disrupt the supply chain", and suggested the island should carve out exceptions from international conventions, for instance cannabis, MDMA or ketamine for health purposes.

She noted that 30% of prisoners on the island were in due to drug related offences.

MHK Lawrie Hooper said he agreed with the policy principles, but added the work needed to continue progressing, and asked for a timeframe for completion.

Ms Poole-Wilson said while she could not provide a timeline as work to develop policies would require consultation, further research and close attention to international conventions, she believed progress should continue.

She said while she agreed regulation should be looked at, with the current resources, the priority was to reduce harms within the current systems.