Vigilance needed -Minister Walrond

– as CANU seizes drugs in candy-like wrappers

With just over a day after the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) reported the seizure of a quantity of narcotics packaged in what is being described as a child-friendly manner, Home Affairs Minister, Oneidge Walrond, has commended the joint intelligence work that led to the discovery and is urging continued vigilance and public awareness to prevent such substances from reaching children.

“The fact that it was unearthed and discovered was as a result of intelligence work that is ongoing by CANU and the Police Anti-Narcotics Department,” she explained. “We’ll have to continue with that kind of intelligence work.”
Minister Walrond described the packaging as “worrying,” noting that it appears designed to present illegal drugs in colourful wrappers meant to resemble candy — a tactic that could easily target school-aged children.
“Keep on the lookout. This particular trend is worrying because it is clearly targeted to disguise illicit drugs in wrapping that looks child-friendly and could potentially be distributed among our children,” the Minister cautioned.
She further stressed the importance of public awareness, especially among parents and teachers, noting that the Government will continue to intensify intelligence-led operations to trace the source of the drugs.
“We’ll continue to do the intelligence work to figure out where the source is coming from. There are some aspects of the investigation I can’t reveal, but suffice it to say, this is another attempt to disguise illicit drugs and make them appear harmless,” she said.
Minister Walrond also urged parents and guardians to pay closer attention to what children are consuming or carrying.
“When someone sees a child with a candy wrapper, you don’t think to ask a question. But adults now have to be aware — to step up and look out. This is a potential way for minors to be targeted,” she emphasised. The packaging, designed to mimic colourful candy or dessert wrappers, appears to be a deliberate attempt by traffickers to attract children and unsuspecting individuals.
CANU is warning the public — particularly parents, teachers, and guardians — to remain vigilant. The cartoon-style graphics and playful imagery on the packaging are deliberately used to present illicit substances as harmless treats.