Island's heroin problem uncovered

Figures reveal a rise in treatment for abusers

New figures have revealed an apparent rise in people being treated for heroin abuse in the Isle of Man.

It comes in response to a Freedom of Information request made to the Department of Health and Social Care last month.

Last year, the number of patients being prescribed heroin subsitutes such as methadone stood at 142 - up 16% on the twelve months before.

Since 2013, the DHSC has spent £300,000 on substitute and anti-overdose medication, with the cost rising steadily year on year.

It comes weeks after the Chief Constable's Annual Report claimed seizures of the Class A drug have also shot up.

Last year, well 624 grams was taken off the Island's streets, with a value of £78,000.

That's more than triple the haul discovered by officers two years ago.