The State General Laboratory has detected the highly potent psychoactive substance MDMB-4en-PINACA in vaping liquids for electronic cigarettes seized during inspections, raising serious public health concerns. The substance has been linked to deaths abroad and is associated with severe cardiac complications.
The Customs Department and the Drug Law Enforcement Unit (YKAN) are urging a review of operating licences granted to shops selling cannabis-related products, warning that the phenomenon has taken dangerous and unpredictable dimensions.
According to laboratory analyses, the seized vaping liquids contained not only narcotic substances but also particularly dangerous synthetic psychoactive compounds capable of causing acute poisoning and even death.
66 samples positive for banned substances
In December, coordinated inspections were carried out at three cannabis product stores in Nicosia, Paphos and Paralimni by the Customs Department, YKAN and other competent services.
A total of 193 vaping liquid items were seized. Of the 66 samples submitted for laboratory testing, all were found to contain prohibited narcotic substances and synthetic psychoactive compounds deemed highly harmful to human health.
Authorities described the findings as deeply concerning, particularly given the popularity of such products among young people and students.
Fainting incidents reported in schools
In a joint statement issued on Sunday, Customs, YKAN and other state services warned of the risks associated with the circulation and consumption of these products, especially by minors.
The statement also revealed that incidents of students fainting at schools have been recorded following the use of these vaping liquids.
The services have called on the Ministry of Health and Parliament to seriously reconsider the licensing framework governing stores selling cannabis-related products, with the ultimate aim of restricting or prohibiting their operation where necessary.
Speaking on ANT1’s “Mera Mesimeri” programme, State General Laboratory Director Revekka Kokkinofita confirmed the scale of the problem, noting that continuous laboratory analyses are detecting synthetic narcotics and psychoactive substances in vaping liquids.
The MDMB-4en-PINACA substance
Information obtained by Politis indicates that MDMB-4en-PINACA, an extremely powerful and dangerous synthetic cannabinoid, was identified in the tested samples.
The substance has been linked internationally to severe and unpredictable adverse effects, including:
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Severe anxiety, panic attacks and psychosis
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Seizures and loss of consciousness
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Cardiac arrhythmias and hypertension
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Respiratory depression
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Acute intoxication
Scientific studies suggest the compound may cause lasting damage to memory and learning capacity through the destruction of brain cells. The risk is heightened because concentrations in vaping products are unpredictable, absorption through inhalation is rapid and no safe dosage level exists.
Dozens of deaths abroad have been associated with its use, often due to cardiac or respiratory complications.
Additional psychoactive compounds detected
Laboratory analyses also identified chemically modified cannabinoids, including:
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Δ8-THC Acetate
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Δ9-THCP Acetate
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H4-CBD
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HHC-Acetate
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CBN-Acetate
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CBD / CBG / CBN derivatives
Experts warn that prolonged use of these substances may lead to physical and/or psychological dependence.
The appeal of such products is reinforced by attractive packaging, social media promotion and easy accessibility, particularly among young consumers.
Raids and seizures
Inspections carried out on 2, 11 and 18 December led to the following seizures:
Nicosia store:
85 vaping liquid items, 269 cannabis-containing products, 20 CBD products without marketing authorisation in the Republic, and two prohibited cannabinoid products.
Paphos store:
33 vaping liquids, 13 THC-containing products, 15 cannabis products, 12 handmade cannabis cigarettes, three unauthorised CBD products and one prohibited cannabinoid product.
Paralimni store:
75 vaping liquids, 234 cannabis and THC products, and two unauthorised CBD products.
Packaging information indicates that in most cases the country of origin was Greece.
Calls for decisive action
In their joint announcement, the Customs Department, YKAN and other state authorities stress the urgent need for coordinated and decisive measures by both the executive and legislative branches to curb the circulation and sale of such products.
They further recommend a comprehensive review of licensing arrangements for premises selling cannabinoid products, warning that the current situation poses a direct and serious threat to public health.