Drug reclassification will not put off users says DASH

People will not be put off taking the drug Ketamine now it's been reclassified.

That's the message from the Island's drug, advice and service helpline DASH.

The horse tranquilliser substance, often used as a party drug, has been upgraded to a Class B banned substance in the UK - with the Island set to mirror the move.

It now means the maximum penalty for unlawful possession will increase from two to five years in jail, while the maximum penalty for trafficking offences will continue to be 14 years imprisonment.

Director Shelley Stanley says although it will make the risks greater its classification will be of little concern to most drug users: