Harmful psychotropic substances mixed up with other synthetics are a cause of increasing concern to authorities, as many, not known to police, are contained in edible cannabis products, such as THC jellos and biscuits, with e-cigarette vapours also mixed up with psychotropics.
Anti-drug squad commander Christos Andreou, speaking exclusively to 'Politis' referred to 'new types of narcotics on the market', highly popular and mainly targeting minors and young users.
Andreou warned that both the vapours and the edible THC contain extremely harmful substances, causing serious respiratory issues, poisoning as well as recorded incidents of mental disorders.
Almost 6 thousand products confiscated
'We have conducted dozens of targeted operations in stores across Cyprus,' Andreou told 'P', highlighting the fact that such products were located in kiosks. In 14 such operations during 2024, 1802 products, including vapours and jellos were confiscated, while last year, operations more than doubled to 30, resulting in almost four thousand confiscations, including THC products.
The campaign strongly continues this year, the anti-drug squad commander noted.
The 'new drugs'
Christos Andreou stressed that vapours containing THC and other chemical substances will cause harmful effects when heated up and inhaled. But what's most dangerous, he added, are products containing 'synthetic or semi-synthetic cannabinoids', often stronger than the natural THC.
Edible products, such as jellos, are becoming increasingly popular and their manner of consumption bears even more risks. There have been recorded instances of poisoning, with several people hospitalised as a result.
THC takes longer to digest, even hours, which raises the risk of overconsumption, as the user does not realise the effects. In the THC case, this could mean a wide range of neurological and systemic symptoms, such as drowsiness, loss of direction and dizziness.
'Many of these products are sold without the necessary safeguards', Andreou said, with information on make up and safety often unclear or inadequate.
These 'new drugs' target minors and their colourful packaging is designed towards this end. Many of these products are misleadingly advertised as legal, but their THC is in high concentrations.
The jellos might be even 33 times stronger compared to a cannabis cigarettes and many of those who consumed them, mainly minors, ended up in hospital with symptoms of lethargy and loss of consciousness. 'People need to be aware of that,' he stressed.
Fainting incidents in schools
During operations in Nicosia, Paphos and Paralimni, Customs and other relevant services confiscated 193 e-cigarette vapours, almost equally harmful.
State Laboratory testing indicated that in 66 samples, banned psychotropic substances were found, many the result of synthetic chemical unions that can prove particularly harmful to human health.
In a joint statement last week, Customs, the Anti-Drug squad and other competent authorities expressed particular concern over the phenomenon and raised alarm bells on the circulation and consumption of such products.
'There have been incidents of fainting in schools,' it was disclosed in the statement, calling on the health ministry and MPs to re-evaluate legislation, even closing down cannabis products stores.
According to 'P' sources, the state lab test findings included MDMB, a synthetic substance connected to serious health problems, such as panic attacks, psychosis, spasms, loss of consciousness, hypertension and even heart arrythmia.
According to scientific studies, MDMB can cause permanent memory loss and knowledge skills in pupils by destroying brain cells. It is a highly unpredictable substance that rapidly spreads through inhalation. There is no safe dosage.