-issues national early warning alert

ON January 15, 2026, based on intelligence received, CANU officers conducted an

operation in Campbellville Housing Scheme, Georgetown, which resulted in the discovery

and seizure of multiple branded THC cannabis vapes.

According to a press release, the seizure indicates an emerging shift toward the importation of high-potency cannabis concentrates disguised as consumer vape products.

The packaging is colourful, professionally printed, and designed to appeal to youths, increasing the risk of rapid spread if circulation is not contained, CANU said adding that chemical composition and potential contaminants remain unknown, and samples have been earmarked for laboratory analysis.

Further, the drug enforcement agency added that under Guyana’s laws, these substances are 100 per cent illegal regardless of packaging, branding, or foreign “medical use” labels.

WHY IS IT ILLEGAL?

Under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, Cap. 10:10,

cannabis and its derivatives are listed as controlled substances, the release emphasised.

It explained that this classification includes the cannabis plant, cannabis resin, extracts and tinctures of cannabis, THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and any product containing THC.

Live resin and THC vape oil fall directly under cannabis resin and extracts, which are

prohibited. Therefore, possession, trafficking, importation, or sale is illegal in Guyana.

The “for medical use only” labels on the boxes have no legal standing in Guyana and do not change the fact that the products are prohibited, the release pointed out.

NO APPROVING LABELS

Additionally, it was noted that none of these labels corresponds to the Guyana Food and Drug Department, any local licensing authority, the Guyana Forensic Science Laboratory (GFSL) testing or any legal cannabis framework in Guyana

HEALTH EFFECTS OF CANNABIS VAPES

CANU underscored that cannabis vapes expose users to high concentrations of THC and unknown chemical additives, which can cause serious short-term and long-term health problems.

Because these products are often unregulated or counterfeit, the risks are significantly higher.

GUYANA – EWS 

Further, the statement said that Guyana’s Early Warning System (EWS), housed within the Customs Anti Narcotic Unit, also identifies these THC cartridges as high-risk emerging threats, particularly to minors.

The EWS tracks trends, packaging styles, chemical profiles, and trafficking patterns linked to concentrated cannabis products. Once flagged, the system issues alerts, guides

frontline officers and feeds actionable intelligence into national enforcement operations.

Reports can be made confidentially via Tel: 592-227-3503 / 592-226-0431 or Email: guyana_ews@canu.gov.gy