A public awareness campaign focused on the dangers of New Psychoactive Substances (NPS) has been launched, with authorities indicating that these synthetic drugs are becoming more prevalent.
The campaign is being led by the Substance Abuse Advisory Council Secretariat, in collaboration with the newly established Early Warning System (EWS) Committee which is tasked with detecting, monitoring, and responding to the emergence of NPS in Saint Lucia.
NPS are synthetic drugs designed to mimic the effects of controlled substances like cannabis and cocaine, but they often produce unpredictable and dangerous outcomes.
Chief Pharmacist in the Ministry of Health, Wellness and Elderly Affairs, Astrid Mondesir, said that these substances are becoming more accessible, with many marketed to resemble familiar products such as candies and other edibles.
“Psychoactive substances are substances that affect the brain. They influence your mood, behaviour, consciousness, and how others perceive you,” she explained. “What we are seeing now is an increase in their availability. So, we want the public to be vigilant. When you get something new, we want you to carefully inspect the packaging, read the label, and watch for anything unfamiliar.”
These illegal substances are often concealed in shipments, posing significant challenges for customs authorities working to identify and intercept illicit items.
Customs Inspector Darren Solomon elaborated on the issue: “What we’ve seen so far are sour tarts, marijuana tarts, gummies, brownies, and other similar items. These are some of the products that have been spotted on the market in Saint Lucia. Examination officers really have to be alert when conducting inspections of barrels and small packages.”
Solomon also stressed the dangers associated with NPS, particularly for young people, who are considered a “very high-risk demographic.” He issued a stern warning to those considering importing these substances.
“We do not want our young people to engage in using these substances, so we are asking individuals who are importing items via barrels, boxes, or other means, to refrain from attempting to bring them into Saint Lucia,” he said. “These items will be detained, and you could face arrest and prosecution.”
The EWS committee plans to intensify its efforts in 2025 and expand public awareness campaigns on the issue.
