Report: Synthetic substances reshape island drug market
The amount of drugs seized by police has increased almost six times year-on-year according to a comprehensive overview of substance use trends.
The 2025 Annual Report of the Bermuda Drug Information Network also highlighted the growing use of synthetic drugs, particularly among young adults and women, and a growing number of people being referred for treatment.
Joanne Dean, the director of the Department for National Drug Control, wrote in the publication: “The most frequently used substances continue to be cannabis, opiates and cocaine.
“However, the local drug market is also being reshaped by the growing presence of synthetic substances, with synthetic cannabis products now emerging as a new concern within our community.”
Ms Dean added that efforts to reduce the supply of and demand for drugs on the island required a balanced and co-ordinated approach.
She said: “On the supply side, law enforcement must keep pace with the increasingly sophisticated technology used in the drug trade.
“This requires not only new skills, equipment and resources, but also strong forensic and scientific testing capabilities to detect emerging substances.
“Drug interdiction efforts can be further strengthened by reinforcing legal frameworks, enhancing inter-agency collaboration and partnering with the private sector and financial institutions to identify suspicious financial activities linked to the illicit drug economy.”
Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, opened the 2025 annual meeting of the Bermuda Drug Information Network, stating that the topics discussed would help the island face the challenge of addiction.
He said: “This meeting is designed to assess the current framework for addressing substance abuse of individuals and to review new programmes that have been implemented over the past few years.
“Consequently, this annual meeting is crucial to offering a platform for essential discussions that will enhance our understanding of the trends related to addiction, prevention, treatment and successful rehabilitation.”
Mr Weeks noted that the network had amassed more than 15 years of data about drugs on the island, which could be used to identify trends and shape priorities for treatment access, mental health support, community prevention measures and long-term recovery pathways.
He said: “It is an impressive achievement that the fledgeling network, founded in 2008, has now evolved into a national initiative, involving approximately 32 data providers, one that is acknowledged both locally and regionally.
“This network depends on the readiness to share data, foster transparency, and offer support.”
The report said that over the course of 2024, the Bermuda Police Service confiscated 309.6 kilograms of illegal substances, compared with 55.5kg in 2023.
The 2024 seizures included 158.6kg of loose cannabis and 91.8kg of cannabis resin, compared with 47.7kg of loose cannabis and 1.5kg of cannabis resin in 2023.
Police also seized 12.1kg of “miscellaneous cannabinoid products”, 29.9kg of cocaine, 1.4kg of designer drug MDMA and 60g of heroin over the course of 2024.
The report said: “The significant rise in drug seizures in 2024 signals intensified law enforcement activity and possibly increased trafficking or local distribution of illicit substances.
“The predominance of cannabis, coupled with the appearance of synthetic drugs, suggests evolving consumption patterns and shifting market dynamics that warrant continuous monitoring.
“Enhanced co-ordination between customs, law enforcement and health agencies will be essential to detect and disrupt supply chains while mitigating downstream social and health harms.
“Furthermore, linking seizure data with prevention, treatment and community education initiatives can help ensure that enforcement efforts translate into measurable reductions in substance misuse and associated risks across Bermuda.”
Meanwhile, the Bermuda Assessment and Referral Centre, which conducts drug assessments, reported 74 new clients in 2024 compared with 62 the previous year.
The report said that referrals were more likely to be using multiple substances, with alcohol the most common followed by cannabis.
It explained: “The steady rise in both new and returning BARC clients underscores the persistent and recurring nature of substance use issues in Bermuda.
“The data highlights the importance of early intervention and the need for sustained engagement strategies to prevent relapse and re-entry into the system.”
It noted the high prevalence of polydrug use points and the growing complexity of treatment needs that required integrated, multidisciplinary approaches that addressed co-occurring mental health and social challenges.
It added: “Strengthening referral pathways between the courts, BARC and treatment providers such as Turning Point, alongside increased public awareness and culturally responsive prevention programmes, will be key to reducing long-term dependence and improving recovery outcomes across communities.”
The report noted that 22 cases were referred to the Drug Treatment Court programme in 2024, up from 18 in 2023, but only eight were admitted to the programme.
Meanwhile, 31 people were referred to the DUI court programme, of which 11 people were admitted.
The report said: “The increase in referrals to both the drug treatment and DUI court programmes reflects growing recognition of the value of rehabilitative approaches within the justice system.
“However, the comparatively low admission rates and modest number of completions highlight the need to strengthen screening, engagement and support mechanisms to enhance participant retention and outcomes.
“Expanding collaboration between the courts, treatment providers and social service agencies could help address barriers to admission such as housing, instability, mental health challenges or lack of readiness for treatment.
“Continued investment in alternatives to incarceration initiatives not only reduces incarceration costs but also promotes healthier reintegration, helping individuals rebuild stable, productive lives and ultimately strengthening community safety and resilience.”
Under a section titled “Looking Ahead”, the report said: “The findings across all chapters highlight that Bermuda’s drug situation is shaped by interconnected systems — law enforcement, health, justice, education and community services — that must continue to operate in co-ordination.
“The rise in synthetic substances, combined with the steady availability of alcohol and the persistence of impaired driving, suggests that prevention and enforcement must evolve together, supported by up-to-date intelligence and cross-agency collaboration.
“Expanding data collection — particularly on youth, women and synthetic drug use — will strengthen Bermuda’s ability to identify emerging risks early.
“Likewise, increasing the capacity of treatment and prevention professionals will ensure that individuals and families have equitable access to high-quality care.”
It added that the island’s response to substance misuse would benefit from a number of measures including enhanced data systems to capture real-time trends and outcomes as well as integrated prevention and treatment frameworks that address both substance use and mental health.
• To see the Bermuda Drug Information Network report, see Related Media
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