Law enforcement agencies: Influx of synthetic drugs concerning

A PANEL of representatives from law enforcement agencies locked in the war against illicit drugs agreed that the influx of synthetic drugs such as methamphetamines and fentanyl is a growing concern in TT and the region.

The panellists were speaking at the Ministry of National Security Drug Council’s annual meeting at Cascadia Hotel, Port of Spain, on March 18.

Discussing emerging drug trends, the panellists said synthetic drugs are becoming more of a norm in the Caribbean.

"With the evolution of drug trafficking using technology and changing routes, synthetic drugs pose a serious threat to the region."

Pernell Clarke, a representative from the Organisation of American States (OAS), said that based on statistics from the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the prevalence of synthetic drugs is second only to cannabis.

"The top five categories by prevalence are cannabis, opioids, methamphetamines and prescriptions, cocaine and ecstasy," Clarke said.

He said in the Americas, opioids are now a close third, after cannabis and cocaine.

"This situation was slightly different a few years ago," he said. "If you were to look at this list about ten years ago, opioids would not be number three.

"You are all aware of the proliferation of synthetic drugs in this part of the world."

He said based on a recent study done on synthetic drugs in TT, while the laws dealing with synthetic drugs are adequate, the problem lies in the urgent need for updates in the area of chemical precursors – the chemicals used to design narcotics, along with awareness building.

He noted there is no large-scale production of methamphetamines, despite the discovery of a lab in 2023.

Acting deputy director of the Forensic Science Centre (FSC) Michelle Nassier said in its analysis of opioids seized in police raids in TT, certain drugs that had similar labels, designs and packaging had completely different chemical makeups.

"Although the agents in the field do a quick screening of the drugs, they depend on the FSC to confirm and provide evidence of the content of the synthetic drugs.

"Synthetic drugs are rapidly changing, as soon as you legislate for them or detect them, someone goes into a lab and cuts a new one."

In his feature address, Minister of National Security Marvin Gonzales said the national security agencies engaged in the fight against drugs are now at a pivotal point, having completed the drug policy for the period 2021-2025 and are now entering a new phase of the plan.

"We must decide the future course for our nation’s drug control.

"The national drug policy for 2021-2025 was more than a document, it was a commitment – a structured road map to curb drug trafficking, reduce substance abuse and safeguard the people of TT, particularly the youth.

"Drug trafficking has evolved. Smugglers have sophisticated techniques, including cyber-based operations, cryptocurrency transactions and hidden distribution networks that make detection difficult.

"Synthetic drugs are emerging as a serious threat. The infiltration of drugs such as ketamine and methamphetamines presents a public health and security risk."