A surge in mixed-drug use among young people, involving over-the-counter medicines and illicit substances, is causing serious concern at the highest levels of government, as a minister warned in the House of Assembly on Tuesday of dangerous health consequences and expanding illegal supply routes.

Minister of People Empowerment Adrian Forde said the administration, particularly Prime Minister Mia Mottley, has been losing sleep over the pattern of substance abuse among youth that has shifted towards a dangerous mix of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals and illegal drugs.

‘Polydrug use’ refers to the use of more than one drug or type of drug at the same time or one after another. It can involve both illicit drugs and legal substances, such as alcohol and medications.