OEA - Rapid Situation Assessment of Synthetic Drugs in the Caribbean

March2026 Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD) Organization of American States (OAS)

Summary Report Rapid Situation Assessment of Synthetic Drugs in The CaribbeanOAS Cataloging-in-Publication Data Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission

Summary Report: Rapid Situation Assessment of Synthetic Drugs in The Caribbean p.; cm. (OAS. Official records; OEA/Ser.L)

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Suggested citation: Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD), Organization of American States (OAS). Summary Report: Rapid Situation Assessment of Synthetic Drugs in The

Caribbean, Washington, D.C., March 2026. Comments on the document are welcome and can be sent to: OID_CICAD@oas.org. The contents of this document are presented exclusively for informational purposes. They do not necessarily represent the opinion or official position of the Organization of American States, its General Secretariat, or its member states. This document was prepared and published by the Inter-American Observatory on Drugs (OID, by its Spanish-language acronym) of the Inter-American Drug Abuse Control Commission (CICAD, by its Spanish -language acronym), which is located within the Secretariat for Multidim ensional Security (SMS) of the Organization of American States (OAS).General Coordination Marya Hynes Authors Juan Carlos Araneda Pernell Clarke Paula Demassi Marya Hynes

The Executive Secretariat of CICAD (ES-CICAD) wishes to thank the national drug commissions of the OAS member states, without whom the preparation of this document would not have been possible.

The Executive Secretariat of CICAD (ES-CICAD) wishes to thank the national drug commissions of the OAS member states, without whom the preparation of this document would not have been possible. ES-CICAD is also grateful for the invaluable contributions to this document made by the national drug observatories of the OAS member states of the Caribbean. Special thanks go to the Governments of Italy and the United States for their support and funding of this publication.1. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A rapid assessment survey on synthetic drug use was carried out in 2024 in four Caribbean countries which showed that s ynthetic drug use is a rapidly escalating concern across the Caribbean. Barbados, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Guyana are experiencing notable increases in the trafficking, consumption, and diversification of synthetic drugs —including MDMA, methamphet amine, ketamine, synthetic cannabinoids, and other novel psychoactive substances (NPS). Enforcement struggles with outdated legislation, limited forensic capacity, complex trafficking networks, and rapidly evolving chemical formulations. Youth populations (15– 30), nightlife environments, and urban centers represent the highest-risk settings. Across all four countries, the study identified six overarching cross-regional themes:

1. Outdated legal frameworks unable to keep pace with new synthetic drugs.

2. Insufficient detection and forensic capacity to identify emerging substances.

3. Rapid evolution of NPS markets, exploiting legal loopholes and weak border controls.

4. Public health threats including mental health crises, overdoses, and polydrug use.

5. Trafficking innovations using postal systems, digital platforms, and disguised food items.

6. Growing youth adoption, driven by party culture, social media, and peer influence.

The main report underscores an urgent need for coordinated legislative reform, enhanced Early Warning Systems (EWS) , improved forensic capability, expanded public health interventions , and regional cooperation.

2. BACKGROUND & CONTEXT 2.1 The Caribbean Drug Landscape The Caribbean is a region of more than 700 islands, 40 million residents, and strategic maritime

Warning Systems (EWS) , improved forensic capability, expanded public health interventions , and regional cooperation.

2. BACKGROUND & CONTEXT 2.1 The Caribbean Drug Landscape The Caribbean is a region of more than 700 islands, 40 million residents, and strategic maritime routes. It has historically been utilized as a trans-shipment hub for cocaine and cannabis bound for Europe and North America. Today, synthetic drugs have become a new, flexible, scalable threat due to easy manufacture, global precursor availability, and online distribution. 2.2 Rise of Synthetic Drugs The UNODC notes that there were over 1,000 NPS emerging globally by 2020, and many have now been detected in the Caribbean. Common categories include synthetic cannabinoids , phenethylamines (e.g., MDMA) , s ynthetic cathinones (“bath salts”) , t ryptamines, p iperazines, novel benzodiazepines, and synthetic opioids (e.g., fentanyl analogues). These substances evolve quickly, complicating scheduling and enforcement.3. METHODOLOGY The study employed a descriptive, mixed -methods research design, combining secondary data analysis: law enforcement reports, public health data, and forensic results. Qualitative consultations including focus groups and interviews involving experts and practitioners in policy, forensics, law enforcement, drug inspectors, and party promoters. Forensic laboratory results on the analysis of seized drug samples were also received. Comparative pattern analysis was used to examine several key themes. Other s takeholders included customs, forensic labs, treatment centers, emergency physicians, corrections, and juvenile justice units.

4. COUNTRY LEVEL SYNTHETIC DRUG SITUATION

Trinidad and Tobago Drug Trends In Trinidad and Tobago, there have been i ncreasing seizures of MDMA, methamphetamine, ketamine, and cathinones since 2018; The discovery of a clandestine meth amphetamine lab in 2024 raises concern; and online platforms are being used to sell drugs to youth. Challenges Challenges include gaps in the Dangerous Drugs Act and precursor chemicals are not fully

ketamine, and cathinones since 2018; The discovery of a clandestine meth amphetamine lab in 2024 raises concern; and online platforms are being used to sell drugs to youth. Challenges Challenges include gaps in the Dangerous Drugs Act and precursor chemicals are not fully regulated. Forensic testing delays and limited field -testing equipment are also problematic and the use of legitimate postal and courier services for trafficking. Responses There is an active Early Warning System (EWS -TT), membership in the Global Coalition Against Synthetic Drug Threats, and in 2019 legislation was amended and expanded to include synthetic derivatives in the definition of cannabis. 4.2 Barbados Drug Trends Methamphetamine, MDMA, LSD, and synthetic cannabinoids are increasingly being detected. Young adults (18–30) seem to be the most prolific users, especially in nightlife settings and drugs are often mixed with alcohol and consumed at coastal entertainment venues. ChallengesThe Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act (CAP 131) is described as outdated, and there is a need for updated scheduling of synthetic substances . There is l imited forensic capacity due to physical problems at the building housing the lab and there is heavy reliance on the TRUNARC field testing device and the GC-MS machine for analysis. Responses The Barbados EWS has been operational since 2019, and alerts have been issued for methamphetamine and synthetic cannabinoids. In addition, the country participates in the UNODC SMART Programme and legislative reform is under discussion. 4.3 Jamaica Drug Trends MDMA (locally referred to as Molly), MDPV, methamphetamine, and synthetic cannabinoids have been detected. There appears to be h igh rates of use in schools, clubs, and tourist areas along with widespread distribution via courier and postal systems. Challenges The Dangerous Drugs Act insufficient for modern NPS. Synthetic drugs are trafficked while being disguised as food items, gummies, and candies. There are limited treatment programs available for persons who use synthetic drugs, and emergency medical technicians cannot administer Narcan without approval. Response

Challenges The Dangerous Drugs Act insufficient for modern NPS. Synthetic drugs are trafficked while being disguised as food items, gummies, and candies. There are limited treatment programs available for persons who use synthetic drugs, and emergency medical technicians cannot administer Narcan without approval. Response The Jamaica EWS was launched in February 2024 , and th is has triggered discussion on amendments to Dangerous Drugs Act in order to capture MDMA and precursors, as well as plans to strengthen customs interdiction and frontline training. 4.4 Guyana Drug Trends There is increasing availability of MDMA and methamphetamine and the p resence of synthetic drugs in schools and in nightlife. Trafficking routes are linked to Suriname and Brazil.

ChallengesThere is the lack of an Early Warning System 1 , limited forensic equipment and difficulty testing THC in edibles. Additionally j udicial delays exploited by defense counsel and there is w eak precursor chemical legislation. Responses The 2021 Narcotics Act was amended to add “controlled substance analogues” , and there is greater collaboration between the police, the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit ( CANU), and the forensic lab.

5. THEMATIC FINDINGS (CROSS-COUNTRY)

5.1 Legislative and Policy Gaps Common challenges include: • Laws designed for traditional drugs, not synthetic variants. • Lack of explicit scheduling for new chemical structures. • Absence of controlled delivery legislation (especially T&T). • Insufficient penalties for trafficking synthetic drugs. 5.2 Enforcement Limitations • There are detection difficulties due to evolving drug forms and concealment. • Trafficking via: o courier systems o food masking o digital platforms/social media o drones (notably in T&T) • Shortage of training and forensic capacity. • Corruption risks in some enforcement sectors. 5.3 Forensic and Laboratory Constraints • Outdated GC-MS libraries and lack of standards.

o courier systems o food masking o digital platforms/social media o drones (notably in T&T) • Shortage of training and forensic capacity. • Corruption risks in some enforcement sectors. 5.3 Forensic and Laboratory Constraints • Outdated GC-MS libraries and lack of standards.

1 The Guyana EWS was launched in 2026, after the data was collected for this publication.• Slow turnaround time for lab confirmations. • Inconsistent ability to distinguish hemp vs. marijuana (Guyana). • Limited capacity to test fentanyl analogues and novel benzos. 5.4 Public Health Impacts • Severe mental health outcomes: psychosis, depression, paranoia. • Medical crises at events: overheating, cardiac incidents, overdoses. • Heavy concentration among young males 15–30. • Polydrug use common (cannabis + Molly + ketamine). • Treatment facilities lack specialized synthetic drug protocols. 5.5 Social, Cultural, and Party-Scene Drivers • Music and social media glamorize drug use. • Peer pressure in nightlife environments. • Party promoters observe increasing medical emergencies. • Event organizers are already implementing safety systems: o On-site medical teams o Health marshals o Responsible drinking announcements o Lidded drink protocols

6. IMPLICATIONS Policy Implications Caribbean countries need adaptive and a gile drug legislation with analogue laws covering structurally similar substances. Additionally, there needs to be stricter r egulation of precursor chemicals and online drug advertising.

Public Health Implications There is a rising number of synthetic-drug-induced psychiatric emergencies that means there is an u rgent need for specialized detoxification and treatment services . Youth-focused health education is also needed.Enforcement Implications There is a need for greater investment in portable drug detection kits and devices, canine units that are trained to detect synthetic drugs, and cyber-forensics. Interagency coordination and intelligence sharing should be strengthened and there is a need to es tablish regional forensic databanks. 6.4 Research and Data Needs

There is a need for greater investment in portable drug detection kits and devices, canine units that are trained to detect synthetic drugs, and cyber-forensics. Interagency coordination and intelligence sharing should be strengthened and there is a need to es tablish regional forensic databanks. 6.4 Research and Data Needs Comprehensive monitoring systems and regional EWS interconnectedness is a must. CICAD’s Early Warning System of the Americas can help with this . There is also a dire need for a nnual epidemiological studies on youth drug trends. • Promote cross-training between labs and enforcement agencies.

7. COUNTRY-SPECIFIC PRIORITY ACTIONS Trinidad & Tobago • Update Dangerous Drugs Act to include NPS & precursors. • Expand EWS-TT monitoring capabilities. • Strengthen port and postal inspections.

Barbados • Modernize CAP 131 to include synthetic substances. • Expand forensic capacity and training. • Increase youth-focused education campaigns. Jamaica • Finalize legislative amendments capturing MDMA & NPS. • Strengthen EMS ability to administer emergency antidotes. • Bolster EWS analytics and customs interdiction.

Guyana • Establish national EWS. • Strengthen forensic lab; acquire updated reference standards.• Improve border surveillance and community intelligence channels.

8. CONCLUSION Synthetic drugs represent a fast-evolving, high-risk threat across the Caribbean. The region faces converging challenges—legal, forensic, public health, and enforcement capacity—and requires a coordinated, evidence-based regional strategy.

A comprehensive response will demand: • Rapid legislative modernization • Forensic investment and staff training • Enhanced EWS and data systems • Youth-centered prevention programs • Regional cooperation to counter trafficking networks