The Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat (SAACS) has joined forces with the recently launched Early Warning System (EWS) Committee to initiate a robust public awareness campaign. This campaign, focusing on the dangers of new psychoactive substances (NPS), is particularly timely as Saint Lucia enters the festive Christmas season.
The campaign seeks to educate citizens, visitors to the island, and individuals sending barrels or boxes to Saint Lucia about the threats posed by NPS. These synthetic drugs, designed to mimic the effects of controlled substances, often yield unpredictable and dangerous results. Chief Pharmacist Astrid Mondesir from the Ministry of Health, Wellness, and Elderly Affairs elaborated on the impact of psychoactive substances: “Psychoactive substances affect the brain, influencing mood, behaviour, consciousness, and perception. We’ve observed an increase in their availability, and we’re urging the public to exercise vigilance. Many of these substances are marketed to resemble familiar products like candies and other edibles. Carefully examine the packaging, read labels, and report any suspicious items.”
Heightened vigilance at the island’s ports is a crucial aspect of this initiative. Customs authorities face significant challenges in identifying and intercepting illicit NPS, which are often concealed in shipments. Customs Inspector Darin Solomon highlighted the types of items being monitored: “We’ve encountered items like sour tarts, marijuana tarts, gummies, brownies, and more. Examination officers are trained to identify these substances during inspections of barrels and small packages. These items are prohibited, and once detected, they are detained and handed over to the police for further analysis and action.”
Inspector Solomon also issued a stern warning to individuals attempting to import such substances: “These substances are extremely hazardous. We’ve seen the devastating effects of fentanyl in the United States, and we do not want similar issues affecting our youth here in Saint Lucia. Importing these items is illegal, and offenders will face severe consequences, including detention of goods, arrest, and prosecution. Let’s work together to keep our country safe.”
Chief Pharmacist Mondesir reinforced the importance of caution and seeking professional guidance: “If you encounter an unknown substance, don’t ingest, share, or use it. Reach out to your pharmacist or healthcare provider for clarity. The Ministry of Health is here to assist, so please contact us with any concerns about new or unfamiliar products.”
The Early Warning System Committee, comprising multi-sectoral agencies such as Customs and Excise and the Royal Saint Lucia Police Force, is committed to detecting, monitoring, and responding to the emergence of NPS within Saint Lucia. The Committee is already planning to intensify its activities and expand public awareness campaigns in 2025 to minimize health and safety risks further.