Use of illegal drugs in schools to be tackle by CANU, Education Ministry

The use of illegal drugs in schools across the country, is being tackled through a collaborative
venture by the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (Education and other stakeholders.
This was the disclosure of Head of CANU James Singh on Thursday, responding to questions by
the media on the use of exotic drugs in schools. “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.
The CANU Head noted that while students are the main targets of the programme, teachers will
play a crucial role in the implementation and effectiveness of the initiative. “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,” Singh explained.
The CANU top official disclosed that his agency is doing a lot of work in communities
countrywide, and is urging persons from within the communities to play their role in curbing the
use of illegal drugs.“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,” he stressed.
CANU destroyed over 3,000 pounds of marijuana valued over $523M which were seized at
various ports in Guyana last Saturday.