’Cannabis is readily available in the island, despite our best efforts.’

That is the admission from police officer Mike Griffiths as he spoke frankly during the parents meeting at Ballakermeen High School.

PC Griffiths said that while the challenge 25 campaign in shops, pubs and clubs has been a success, it is alarming how many more drugs are available in the island and how many teenagers have come into contact with or used drugs.

He and colleague Paddy Moore, said that by far the most used narcotic in the island is the class B drug cannabis, which according to police is currently worth about £30 per gram in the island depending on quality and type.

The officers noted other ’popular’ drugs in the island include xanax, diazepan, ketamin, ecstasy, heroin, cocaine and even LSD which has made a ’surprising comeback’ according to PC Moore.

PC Griffiths explained to parents why cannabis is seen as the ’gateway drug’.

He said: ’To buy cannabis, that puts you into contact with drug dealers and similar people, all it takes is for one person to offer some cocaine or something else and they’re into that. It really is that simple sometimes.’

He also explained why he, like several politicians and Chief Constable have stated, in a personal capacity, the decriminalising of cannabis.

’If a young person is found with a small amount of cannabis on them, for a first offence, it will go on the police computer, but if they go to a referral scheme, they are unlikely to receive a record for a first offence.

’That is part of the reason why teenagers in the island are being used as runners by dealers to drop off drugs, as they know that they are less likely to be prosecuted compared to bigger time dealers.

’Removing that power from criminals is part of why I personally believe we should have a debate about its criminality and the public have to be a part of that discussion.’

While cannabis remains illegal, PC Griffiths advised parents of some things to watch out for from basic things such as patterns of borrowing £20 or £30.

He also suggested parents could check their children’s pockets as cannabis, like tobacco will break up into small particles which will sit in a pocket and when it goes through a washing machine will still be there.