Youth substance abuse

Just last week, the Ministry of Health announced the ramping up of efforts to tackle youth substance misuse after it was found that about 80 per cent of secondary school students are consuming alcohol, engaging in vaping, and using cannabis.
Reports of this phenomenon should concern every segment of society and demand urgent and sustained national attention.
The Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) deserves credit for not limiting its role to enforcement alone. Its shift towards public education, intelligence gathering, and the coordination of the National Early Warning System demonstrates an understanding that modern drug trafficking requires a proactive rather than purely reactive response.
Early identification of emerging threats, particularly synthetic drugs and illegal THC vape products marketed toward young people, gives health and education authorities a valuable opportunity to intervene before these substances become more deeply entrenched.
In fact, over the years, CANU has been successful in intercepting drugs, especially ecstasy, in schools.
This recreational drug has harmful side effects, including addiction, and can cause altered sensations. What is clear is that some young people have been exposed to a drug that also affects the brain and one that has reportedly been used as a date rape trap.
Sadly, drug use in some schools is reportedly not new. Unfortunately, young minds are involved in cigarette smoking and the consumption of alcohol, along with other, far more harmful substances.
Director of CANU, James Singh, during an event hosted by the Health Ministry last week, outlined that the unit is coordinating the National Early Warning System – an initiative designed to identify and issue national alerts regarding the circulation of new and dangerous substances.
Further, he stated that EWS has been instrumental in warning the public about the influx of synthetic drugs, such as MDMA (ecstasy), and illegal THC vape products, which are particularly targeted at youth markets. By identifying these trends early, CANU enables health and education authorities to respond proactively.
It is important to note that law enforcement agencies have an essential role in disrupting supply networks, but enforcement alone will not solve the problem. Schools, parents, health professionals, child protection agencies, and community organisations must all be equipped to recognise the warning signs and intervene early.
While CANU has been playing its part, it raises concerns over how long it might be ongoing, whether the schools are aware or whether they have the capacity to aid in identifying drug sales and use therein.
Another reality is that young people will unfortunately experiment with harmful substances. This is where the Education Ministry will have to be more innovative in deriving mechanisms to build capacity among teachers so they can spot any possible signs.
Once again, this will not be easily given the innovativeness of those involved. That aside, there must be some signs, including changes in students’ behavioural patterns and performances, depending upon the extent of usage. This is not just for ecstasy but for other drugs as well.
Teachers will need to be supported in this fight, and it may very well demand a re-examination of policies at a higher level for the implementation of effective combating mechanisms. This would need some urgency, given that some young people, who represent the future, are involved.
Crucial is sustained education on the harmful effects of drug use, for which the media should be encouraged to be a part. It has to be national, given what’s at stake.
There may also be merit in revisiting proposals for structured school monitoring systems that bring together trained professionals to support, rather than replace, existing school staff. Such initiatives must be carefully designed to complement the work of teachers while strengthening the overall capacity of schools to safeguard students.
Ultimately, this issue extends far beyond the classroom. The young people at the centre of this discussion represent the nation’s future, and protecting them requires more than periodic enforcement operations or isolated awareness campaigns. It calls for a sustained, evidence-based strategy that combines prevention, education, treatment, and enforcement in equal measure.
The warning signs are before us. Whether they become the catalyst for meaningful action or simply another alarming headline will depend on the commitment of all stakeholders to work together. The cost of complacency is simply too high.