Synthetic Drugs in Schools: The Ministry of Education Launches a Three-Pronged Shield

The question posed by MP Avinash Ramkalawon regarding the cases of synthetic drugs in secondary schools provided Minister of Education Mahend Gungapersad with an opportunity to deliver a candid assessment.

"When we talk about synthetic drugs in our schools, we are not just discussing mere statistics. We are addressing a predatory threat," he stated.

According to his ministry's data, 80 suspicious cases have been recorded in public and private secondary institutions between 2016 and March 2026. Each case was immediately referred to the police for investigation.

"One single case is already an outrage. One single case is a call to action," he emphasized.

To tackle this issue, the ministry has structured its response around a three-pronged shield: prevention through building an inner fortress; deterrence to regain control of access; and psychosocial support as a safety net.

The first prong focuses on prevention from a young age. The "Get Connected" program, aimed at Grade 7 and 8 students, seeks to develop emotional regulation and responsible decision-making, strengthening protective factors before any contact with dealers.

For Grade 10 students, the "Rebound" program relies on an interactive and media-based curriculum to deconstruct the myths of drug culture, transforming peer pressure into positive leadership.

The second prong is centered on deterrence. In collaboration with the Anti-Drug Smuggling Unit (ADSU) and the Crime Prevention Unit (CPU), the ministry has intensified patrols and crackdowns around educational institutions.

The third prong is based on human support. Through the National Educational Counselling Service, the ministry has adopted a proactive approach, identifying at-risk students using early behavioral indicators.