Barbados has recorded its first case of methamphetamine (meth) use, prompting a warning to citizens to stay away from the potentially deadly substance, local media reported.
Confirmation of the first case came late last year.
Minister of Home Affairs and Information Wilfred Abrahams described meth on the island as a "serious situation" of great concern to the authorities.
Abrahams spoke at a news conference recently where other officials joined him, including Senior Superintendent of Police Anthony Warner.
Warner disclosed that as recently as March 15, the authorities intercepted a quantity of meth in San Juan en route from Canada to Barbados.
He explained that Barbados would be seen as a transshipment point to move drugs from the source country to the intended destination, and in the process, some may remain on the Island.
Warner said while there were some border security challenges, the police were doing their best to identify the sources, routes , and trends people would employ to get the drugs into Barbados.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Methamphetamine is a highly addictive central nervous system stimulant.
Experts say there's a link between meth use and violent crime, as people who use the illegal substance are liable to develop a physical and psychological dependence from first-time use.
As a result, a cycle of drug-seeking and anti-social behaviour develops.
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