Home Affairs Minister Robeson Benn and Opposition Member of Parliament (MP) Nima Flue-Bess have committed to working together to address illegal drugs in schools.
Flue-Bess, a teacher by profession, was passionate about the matter, indicating growing instances of students’ access to illegal substances.
This issue was raised in the afternoon session of the National Assembly on Wednesday as the House examined the budget estimates for the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Responding to inquiries from the Opposition MP, Benn told the House that the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) programme plays a key role in spreading awareness among students about the use of harmful drugs and substances.
In addition, with the support of the Customs Anti-Narcotics Unit (CANU) and other relevant agencies, steps are actively being taken to address the matter in schools.
Flu-Bess in a follow up question requested information on any action taken against businesses which sell harmful products such as vapes to school children. She pointed out that at some Chinese-owned supermarkets, an underaged child may be able to purchase a vape for as little as $2000 or less.
The MP enquired whether raids on culpable businesses and individuals are done, and appropriate information disseminated to these establishments in relation to the matter.
While the minister said that CANU, social services agencies and other relevant parties conduct educational exercises, he acknowledged that more could be done, accepting that as a teacher, the Opposition MP plays a role in addressing it.
The Opposition member, taking up the invitation, immediately suggested that a list be compiled of all drugs and other such harmful substances and distributed nationwide.
She also suggested that the authorities demand businesses prominently display this information as well as have it widely spoken about in schools.
Minister Benn supported the idea, going further to request that teachers who are aware of students who use drugs share the information with parents and the police so that further intervention, advice and awareness could be implemented.
In this way, Benn said there will be more hands on deck to not only address the problem among students, but to go after those trafficking and providing the drugs.
The minister said he would be happy to work with the Opposition member and encouraged her to rally her colleagues so that the ministry and the educators could work together. The minister told the House that he had flagged the line item related to this matter as he understood the seriousness of the issue and the urgency with which it should be addressed.
Just days ago, the CANU issued a public statement about a strawberry-flavoured pop rock circulating in schools. CANU said that the drug’s candy-like appearance, paired with its sweet strawberry smell, can easily convince children that it is a harmless treat.
CANU said the drug is believed to be a form of methamphetamine, a powerful and highly addictive stimulant that can cause serious harm to health. CANU had warned parents to instruct their kids to not accept any candy from strangers.
