NCSA Sounds Alarm Over Dangerous Packaged Drugs

The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) has issued a national alert after the discovery of brightly packaged products containing illegal substances on the shelves of a local store.

Director of the Forensic Science Centre Chery Corbin saysensic testing confirmed that two of four packages seized were laced with banned drugs, prompting immediate concern from health and safety officials.

She explained that the danger lies not only in the contents but in how the items are marketed.

“Consumers often don’t read labels, and these products can easily be mistaken for harmless treats,” she said.

NCSA Deputy Director Troy Wickham said the Council is stepping up its outreach, especially in schools.

“We are increasing awareness in classrooms across Barbados so that students, parents, and teachers can recognize these products and understand the risks,” she explained.

Chief Executive Officer of the Barbados Medicinal Cannabis Licensing Authority (BMCLA), Shanika Roberts-Odle also cautioned against the use of cannabis edibles, which are not part of the country’s regulated medicinal cannabis programme.

“Edibles are not used within our industry. You never truly know what’s in them, and that makes them dangerous,” she stressed.

Home Affairs and Information Minister Wilfred Abrahams said store owners must accept responsibility for the products they stock.

“If it’s on your shelves, you are responsible. It is not good enough to say you didn’t know. Read the labels, and if you see something suspicious or clearly illegal, let us know,” he urged.

Abrahams also expressed concern about changing drug trends, revealing that marijuana is being sprayed with unknown chemicals.

“People don’t know what they’re taking. The drug landscape today is not the drug landscape of ten years ago,” he said.

The Minister highlighted the NCSA’s recently launched documentary A Rock and a Hard Place, which follows the lives of recovering addicts and exposes how one experiment can lead to lifelong addiction. He says he is working to have it screened in schools.

Authorities are advising the public to remain vigilant, report suspicious items, and bring questionable products to the NCSA for confidential testing.