Guyana launches national Early Warning System to combat emerging drug threats

Guyana has now joined several Caribbean countries in strengthening its response to new and emerging drug threats with the official launch of its National Early Warning System (EWS).

The system, developed in line with international best practices and guidelines, is designed to detect, assess, and respond swiftly to new psychoactive substances (NPS) and other emerging drug threats. It brings together law enforcement, health, and forensic agencies to share information in real time, aiming to prevent the rapid spread of harmful substances and strengthen Guyana’s overall public health and national security frameworks.

Head of the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit (CANU), James Singh, underscored that the success of the EWS depends on close collaboration among stakeholders. Singh explained that the system was conceptualised as part of Guyana’s broader commitment to public safety. Its aim is to strengthen institutional coordination, integrate scientific data into operations, and ultimately save lives.

“When a new drug or when a new dangerous substance emerges whether it is on the streets, a lab or the hospital, the Early Warning System will ensure that that data is captured, verified and translated into actionable intelligence for all relevant stakeholders. This is not just about a technical development, it is a national safeguard and one that will save lives,” Singh said.

He further explained that new psychoactive substances, often disguised in products such as herbal mixtures, candy, and vaping products, pose unique challenges because users are often unaware of the substances’ true composition.

The Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) guidelines of the Organization of American States (OAS) was used to help develop the system.

Pernell Clarke, a specialist from CICAD, highlighted that the region’s drug market is increasingly defined by NPS.

“The drug problem in our region continues to evolve, and while traditional drugs continued to be trafficked and consumed – cocaine, marijuana, that is still happening, that is not going away, the drug market in our region is today defined by the emergence of new psychoactive substances and synthetic drugs, opiods such as fentanyl have resulted in dire consequences for several of our OAS member states, particularly those in North America,” Clarke said.

Clarke also highlighted that these substances are often mixed with drugs such as cocaine and cannabis and other substances to increase their toxicity and often times, the health risk.

Meanwhile, Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Narine Singh, called the launch a significant milestone in safeguarding public health. He noted that drug use is both a public health and social issue that affects families and communities, with traditional drugs now being altered and combined with synthetic substances.