Proposals to tackle the causes of drug-taking and crime are being discussed in the States.

But it is not yet certain that money will be made available to implement them.

The president of the Home Affairs Committee, Senator Wendy Kinnard, said the strategy would save money in law enforcement in the long run.

Problem behaviour

Senator Kinnard said cuts in States' budgets mean that even if politicians approve the strategy, funding for it cannot be guaranteed.

One of the main elements of the strategy will be a major push in drug awareness, starting with better education for children.

She said that it would be best for the strategy to be funded because it would ease up pressure on police and government resources.

She said: "It is far easier and more cost-effective to prevent someone from engaging in problem behaviour than it is to deal with the aftermath of the offending.

"Research from across the world time and time again shows that investing early and appropriately will save money in criminal justice in the future."

However, Deputy Jerry Dorey said it did not go far enough.

He said: "I have no doubt that this whole misguided policy is based on a totally artificial distinction between illegal and legal substances and must collapse."