-CANU warns of hidden dangers
-by Kimberly Giddings
Vapes are not just tobacco-based but can also contain more dangerous substances. This is according to Curt Richards of the Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit, Drug Information Network.
Speaking with NCN News, Richards said vaping has become a growing trend among children and young people. He warned that many vapes contain synthetic substances and cannabinoids, which are chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant.
The synthetic drugs are also artificially created to mimic the effects of natural narcotics or hallucinogens.
Richards noted that these findings are based on what his department has uncovered so far.
“And now you will find that the younger persons might more gravitate to that because the vapes are odorless. So if you’re having a cannabis vape, you could be here and your parents have no idea what you’re taking because there’s no scent to detect. So it’s easier to conceal that,” he said.
He explained that the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit has been working in its role as a national drug authority to address the issue.
“We’ve been trying because, you know, CANU functions as the national drug authority other than the lead agent in the fight against narcotics. So we have not been only focusing on supply reduction, but we also have demand reduction initiative. We also deal with institutional strengthening. So we work a lot with our partners. And then there is international cooperation, which often gives aid and guidance to us in the way that we strategise, in the way that we change policies,” he explained.
He said the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit is working with schools and agencies such as the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security to prevent young people from using vapes, noting the serious risk associated with them.