CANU, Edu. Ministry to tackle drugs in schools

The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) is working with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to tackle the issue of illegal drugs making their way into schools.

Head of CANU James Singh told reporters on Thursday that ranks have identified several new types of drugs that are now prevalent in society and efforts are being made to get them off the streets.

“So we’re working with the Ministry of Education and other agencies to sensitise and to develop a programme that allows us to go into various schools around the region, sensitise persons about the effects of narcotics,” Singh said at the sidelines of an event held at the Police Officers’ Training Centre at Camp Road.

Singh said teachers also play a crucial part in assisting CANU with the programme.

“So it’s not only about working with the students but also working with the teachers. They must also be able to see the behavioural patterns of persons. That gives us a better idea if persons are on drugs or something else so we can work with them also.”

The CANU head further pointed out that the anti-drug agency is also doing a lot of work in various communities with aim of capturing the drug dealers. In this regard, he urged people to come forward with any information they may have.

“We’re doing a lot of work in various communities and the aim here is to target persons who are engaged in selling narcotics, regardless of where, whether it is close by a school or even in that community itself and that’s why again I will ask…if you know persons are engaged in selling narcotics within your community, anywhere, let us know confidentially and we will take the necessary action,” Singh pleaded.

It was only on Saturday last that CANU destroyed about 1,500 kilograms (or 3,307 pounds) of marijuana that carried a street value of about US $2.5 million (or GY $523 million).

The authorities have reported greater successes in seizing more illegal drugs over the past year but noted that there is a need for increased support.