11/08/2026
Incident Summary
Officers of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU) have received critical intelligence regarding the importation of a highly addictive smokeless to***co product into Guyana. The product is commercially packaged and labelled as "Chimó El Tigrito."
Recent investigations reveal that this product is being distributed in small, yellow, round containers marked as 18 grams. The packaging misrepresents the severity of the product, making it appear innocuous or similar to candy, which significantly increases its appeal to youth and adolescents. This alert is issued as a precautionary public health notification to support enhanced surveillance, reporting, and risk assessment. There is currently no laboratory confirmation that the product contains controlled substances, novel psychoactive substances (NPS), or other illicit adulterants. Investigations and laboratory analyses are ongoing.
Reason for Alert Level 3 (Moderate):
Credible intelligence confirms the product has entered Guyana.
The product contains high concentrations of ni****ne and poses potential health risks.
Laboratory analysis is pending.
No poisoning incidents or confirmed adverse events have been reported in Guyana to date.
Enhanced monitoring is warranted to detect any emerging public health or law enforcement concerns.
What is Chimó?
Chimó is a traditional smokeless to***co preparation originating from the Andean region of Venezuela. It is a thick, dark paste or jelly made from cured to***co leaves (Nicotiana tabacum), sodium bicarbonate, brown sugar, ashes from the Mamón tree (Melicoccus bijugatus), and vanilla or other flavourings.
Unlike chewing to***co or s***f, chimó is typically placed between the lip or cheek and the gums, where the user leaves it for an extended period. The saliva mixes with the paste, and the ni****ne is rapidly absorbed through the oral mucosa directly into the bloodstream.
The Danger of Ni****ne Content
Smokeless to***co products like chimó contain exceptionally high levels of ni****ne. In fact, smokeless to***co can deliver up to twice as much ni****ne as an average combustible cigarette. This makes it highly addictive and particularly dangerous for young, developing brains.
Public Health & School Safety Risks
The introduction of "Chimó El Tigrito" into Guyana poses a multi-faceted threat to public health, with a specific and alarming focus on school-aged children.
Youth Targeting and School Safety
Deceptive Packaging: The bright yellow packaging and small size (18g) mimic candy or mint containers, masking the dangerous nature of the substance from parents and teachers.
Flavoured Formulations: The addition of flavourings (such as cherry or vanilla) reduces the harsh taste of to***co, making it highly palatable to children and adolescents.
Academic Impact: Ni****ne addiction in youth is linked to cognitive impairment, reduced attention span, increased anxiety, and a decline in school performance and productivity
Gateway Effect: Youth who initiate ni****ne use with smokeless to***co are significantly more likely to transition to combustible ci******es or electronic va**ng devices later in life
These products present a serious threat to youths, as packaging is colourful and commercially designed to attract minors.
Severe Health Consequences
Ni****ne Poisoning: Due to the high concentration of ni****ne, accidental ingestion or excessive use by children can lead to acute ni****ne poisoning. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, dizziness, tremors, and in severe cases, seizures or respiratory failure
Carcinogenic Exposure: Smokeless to***co contains numerous cancer-causing chemicals, most notably to***co-specific nitrosamines (TSNAs). These compounds are directly linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, oesophagus, and pancreas.
Cardiovascular Strain: The rapid absorption of high-dose ni****ne causes immediate spikes in heart rate and blood pressure, increasing the risk of irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) and sudden cardiac events.
Physical Side Effects of Smokeless To***co Use
Continued use of chimó and similar smokeless to***co products results in severe and often irreversible physical damage, particularly to oral health.
Category-Specific Side Effects
Oral & Dental Health
Severe bad breath (halitosis)
Deep tooth discolouration
Gum recession and periodontal disease
Loose teeth and accelerated tooth decay
Chronic, painful mouth sores
Pre-Cancerous Conditions
Leukoplakia: Thick, white or grey patches forming on the gums, inside of the cheeks, or bottom of the mouth that cannot be scraped off. These lesions have a high potential to become malignant.
Systemic Effects
Elevated blood pressure (hypertension)
Increased resting heart rate
Ni****ne dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms (irritability, anxiety, cravings)
Current Situation in Guyana
The EWS has received information that this product has entered Guyana through importation.
At present:
There is no evidence linking this product to overdoses or poisoning incidents in Guyana.
There is no laboratory evidence confirming the presence of illicit drugs or novel psychoactive substances.
Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and gathering additional information.
Members of the Public
Avoid using unfamiliar to***co products of unknown composition.
Keep the product out of the reach of children.
Seek immediate medical attention if accidental ingestion occurs, especially by children.
If you or someone you know is using this product:
Discard Immediately: Safely dispose of all smokeless to***co products.
Seek Medical Support: Consult a healthcare provider or visit a local health clinic for a professional evaluation of oral health and ni****ne dependence.
Utilise Healthy Alternatives: Replace the physical habit of oral to***co with healthier options such as sugar-free gum, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or apple slices.
Build a Support System: Inform family, friends, teachers, and coaches about the decision to quit to ensure accountability and encouragement.
Engage in Positive Activities: Redirect energy into hobbies, physical activities, sports, or volunteering to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Important Notice
This alert is issued as a precautionary public health notification to support surveillance and informed decision-making. The information is based on credible intelligence received by the Guyana Early Warning System. The alert does not imply that the product is illegal or adulterated, and further laboratory analysis and regulatory assessment are ongoing. The alert will be updated as additional evidence becomes available.
