Guyana Drug Information Network

28/05/2026

https://edition.cnn.com/2026/05/28/health/va**ng-smoking-nicotine-cancer-wellness

E-cigarettes may carry cancer risks of their own, researchers warn. A doctor explains what people who v**e and parents should know.

18/04/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GzARzvGnQ/

15/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Bra5r6Usg/

FOR IMMEDIATE CIRCULATION

CUSTOMS ANTI NARCOTIC UNIT (CANU)
Guyana National Drug Authority

Cannabis v**e cartridges discovered, Issues National Early Warning Alert
On the 15th January, 2026, based on intelligence received, CANU Officers conducted an operation in Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, which resulted in the discovery and seizure of multiple branded THC cannabis v**es.
The seizure indicates an emerging shift toward the importation of high-potency cannabis concentrates disguised as consumer v**e products. The packaging is colourful, professionally printed, and designed to appeal to youths, increasing the risk of rapid spread if circulation is not contained. Chemical composition and potential contaminants remain unknown, and samples have been earmarked for laboratory analysis.
Under Guyana’s laws, these substances are 100% illegal regardless of packaging, branding, or foreign “medical use” labels.

WHY IS IT ILLEGAL
Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10, cannabis and its derivatives are listed as controlled substances.
This classification includes the cannabis plant, cannabis resin, extracts and tinctures of cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and any product containing THC.
Live resin and THC v**e oil fall directly under cannabis resin and extracts, which are prohibited. Therefore, possession, trafficking, importation, or sale is illegal in Guyana.

The “for medical use only” labels on the boxes have no legal standing in Guyana and do not change the fact that the products are prohibited.

NO APPROVING LABELS

None of these labels corresponds to:

• The Guyana Food and Drug Department

• Any local licensing authority

• GFSL testing

• Any legal cannabis framework in Guyana

HEALTH EFFECTS OF CANNABIS VAPES

Cannabis v**es expose users to high concentrations of THC and unknown chemical additives, which can cause serious short-term and long-term health problems. Because these products are often unregulated or counterfeit, the risks are significantly higher.

GUYANA - EWS

Guyana’s Early Warning System (EWS), housed within the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit, also identifies these THC cartridges as high-risk emerging threats, particularly to minors. The EWS tracks trends, packaging styles, chemical profiles, and trafficking patterns linked to concentrated cannabis products. Once flagged, the system issues alerts, guides frontline officers, and feeds actionable intelligence into national enforcement operations.

Reports can be made confidentially via
Tel: 592-227-3503 / 592-226-0431
Email: [email protected]

12/01/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1G5ktRBxEA/

FOR IMMEDIATE CIRCULATION

CUSTOMS ANTI NARCOTIC UNIT (CANU)
Guyana National Drug Authority

CANU Confirms M**A (Ecstasy) Seizure, Issues National Early Warning Alert

The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) has issued a formal Early Warning System Alert after a targeted operation at MovieTowne, Georgetown, led to the seizure of multiple tablets confirmed to be 3,4-Methylenedioxymethamphetamine (M**A), commonly known as ecstasy.

The operation, executed based on actionable intelligence, resulted in the interception of a vehicle with three occupants and the discovery of several zip-locked packages containing brightly coloured pills. Field testing indicated the presence of amphetamine-type stimulants, which was later forensically confirmed by the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) to be M**A

CANU has classified the situation as EWS NOTICE LEVEL 2 – Emerging Circulation Confirmed, indicating that M**A is now present in Guyana in a context suggesting active distribution.

KEY PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERNS

Health officials and first responders are advised that M**A tablets vary widely in strength and may be adulterated with other dangerous substances. M**A use can lead to:

• Overheating and dehydration

• Rapid heart rate

• Confusion, agitation, or collapse

• Risk of seizures

• Heightened danger when mixed with alcohol or other drugs

M**A-related emergencies often occur in nightlife or party settings, and CANU is urging increased vigilance, especially among youth and young adults.

CANU’S WARNING TO THE PUBLIC

M**A remains illegal in Guyana under Schedule I of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10. Possession, trafficking, or distribution can result in severe criminal penalties.

Members of the public are strongly advised not to consume unlabeled pills, regardless of colour, shape, or packaging. The tablets seized in this incident were pink and green and packaged in multiple small Ziplock bags.

AGENCY ACTIONS NOW UNDERWAY

Law Enforcement:

• Increased monitoring of entertainment districts

• Enhanced surveillance of micro-distribution networks

• Strengthened intelligence sharing with venue security teams

Health Sector:

• Alerts issued to emergency departments

• Monitoring for M**A-related cases

• Rapid reporting protocols enforced via GUYDIN/EWS channels

CALL FOR PUBLIC COOPERATION

CANU encourages the public and private sectors, especially parents, nightlife operators, and community leaders, to assist by reporting suspicious activities or unfamiliar pills circulating among youth.

Reports can be made confidentially via
Tel: 592-227-3503 / 592-226-0431
Email: [email protected]

20/02/2025

📢 Introducing the GUYDIN Report 2022-2023! 📢

The Guyana Drug Information Network (GUYDIN), in collaboration with CANU and the National Drug Authority, presents a comprehensive analysis of Guyana’s ongoing fight against drug abuse and trafficking.

This report highlights key efforts in:
✅ Drug Demand & Supply Reduction
✅ Risk & Protective Factors
✅ Control Measures & Institutional Strengthening
✅ International Cooperation

Gain insights, recommendations, and evaluations on national drug strategies.

📖 Read the full report here: 👉 https://canu.gov.gy/publications/guydin-report-2022-2023/

20/02/2025

CANU warns that selling v**es to minors is ILLEGAL and comes with serious consequences. 🚫💨 Protect our youth—know the risks, follow the law, and stop underage sales. Va**ng isn’t harmless, and neither are the penalties!

20/02/2025

Today, Officers of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit participated in the Ministry of Home Affairs job fair. The Officers spoke with Students about the benefits and importance of serving the country as CANU Officers and also used the opportunity to conduct drug awareness with the attendees.

18/06/2024

Drug trafficking refers to the global trade involving the cultivation, manufacturing, transportation, supply, and distribution of illegal substances. It has a damaging impact on nations, undermining political and economic stability, causing significant harm to individuals, and negatively affecting communities. It is important to take this issue seriously and support law enforcement efforts to reduce the spread of illegal drugs. Let's work together to restore safety in our communities!

A message from the Guyana Drug Information Network and The Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU).

18/06/2024

The Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC) "Open Day" exhibition, which was conducted at the GWCMC Compound on May 31, 2024, was attended by officers of the Unit. In observance of the seventh anniversary of the Guyana Wildlife Conservation and Management Commission (GWCMC), this event was organised. The officers educated members of the public and students regarding the Unit's assistance to the GWCMC in intercepting individuals attempting to unlawfully export wildlife out of the country and its role in preventing the flow of narcotics.

18/06/2024

CANU/ GUYDIN participated in A Sensitization Session for Civil Society Organisation, Non-Governmental Organisation and other Stakeholders - the Smoke Free Policies and Total Ban on To***co Advertisement and Promotion. The primary objective of the event was to raise awareness of the health risks associated with to***co use and secondhand smoke, and to foster inter-agency and community support for comprehensive to***co control measures.