Barbados is confronting a disturbing shift in its drug landscape as synthetic substances including ecstasy, methamphetamine, and prescription medications are increasingly appearing in both medical treatment facilities and law enforcement seizures. The National Council on Substance Abuse (NCSA) issued this alert during an educational workshop for educators at Erdiston Teachers’ Training College, highlighting a concerning pattern of non-traditional drug use.
Research and Information Officer Laura Foster revealed that while alcohol, tobacco, marijuana and inhalants maintain their status as the most commonly abused substances, the island nation is witnessing a visible emergence of more dangerous synthetic alternatives. Ecstasy has emerged as the predominant newcomer, with police seizure data showing an alarming escalation from 3,342 tablets confiscated in 2023 to over 7,000 tablets intercepted in 2024.
Medical professionals are reporting treatment cases involving substances previously uncommon in Barbados, including ketamine, benzodiazepines (particularly Xanax), and ‘lean’ – a concoction mixing codeine-based cough syrup with soft drinks and hard candy for flavor enhancement. This recreational drug combination poses particular risks due to its popularity among younger demographics.
Although previous intelligence suggested the potential presence of fentanyl, the NCSA confirms it currently lacks verified data regarding this powerful opioid’s circulation within local drug markets. The organization’s proactive early warning system, established in 2019, enables rapid detection of emerging drug threats through collaboration with multiple stakeholders who encounter drug-related developments in their professional capacities.
This network allows the NCSA to issue public health alerts promptly once the Forensic Sciences Centre confirms the composition of seized substances. The system represents a crucial advantage over traditional statistical methods, enabling near real-time response rather than waiting for comprehensive survey data analysis. This agile approach facilitates immediate public education campaigns and the integration of emerging drug threats into prevention programs, potentially saving lives through timely intervention.