The Celtic League has condemned the Manx Government's Drug and Alcohol Strategy as an 'abject failure'.

Director of Information Bernard Moffatt (pictured) says the policy is essentially flawed, but is continually relaunched in the same format.

He says it's only a matter of weeks since the government was proclaiming the success of the strategy, but since then record seizures of drugs have been made by the police.

Mr Moffatt says the League would recommend an overhaul of the strategy to avoid losing another generation to drugs (audio file attached):

The Department of Home Affairs, which has political responsibility for the Chief Minister's Drug and Alcohol Strategy, has responded to Mr Moffatt's comments.

A media statement says the strategy continues to work in partnership with a number of other government and voluntary organisations to raise awareness of controlled substances and highlight the Island's hard-line against drug crime.

The statement says this approach has helped ensure progress is being achieved in terms of promoting understanding of the drug and alcohol issues affecting the Isle of Man.

It says the main focus is on educating young people about the dangers of abusing illegal substances, and regional road shows and open days have outlined the work of the strategy, and given the public a platform to voice opinions.

In response to Mr Moffatt's comments about recent drug seizures, the DHA says they reflect the considerable progress being made by the police in their efforts to combat the importation and supply of illegal substances.

In conclusion, the statement acknowledges it is a community problem for which there is no easy solution, adding the Drug and Alcohol Strategy would welcome any positive input from the Celtic League.