Halloween warning: Drugs disguised in name-brand bags of lollies in Warren, Michigan
With Halloween’s main event trick-or-treating just hours away, US police have issued a warning after they found drug laced lollies and treats in a suburban home.
Officers discovered counterfeit candy that contained hallucinogenic mushrooms and THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the compound that makes marijuana users feel high, after they searched a home in Detroit, Michigan on October 23.
The drugs were packaged up in popular name-brand bags including Doritos, Jolly Ranchers and Airheads.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.John Gajewski, a local lieutenant, told USA Today that the items had been deliberately packaged to conceal the drugs and pose a risk to families celebrating Halloween.
“The items in question contain THC and are simply packaged to look like genuine products which have the potential to be confused especially by children (or adults) around Halloween,” he said.
Mr Gajewski said there is no evidence that the candy was intended to be distributed to children on Halloween for “some nefarious purpose”.
One man has been arrested, but his identity has not been made public.
“We did make an arrest in the case but it was for charges unrelated to these items as in Michigan, an adult can legally purchase and possess these THC items,” Mr Gajewski said.
As of October 30, no reports had been made of children eating any “laced” products.
“We have had reports in the past not related to Halloween but they are rare,” he said.
Eric Hawkins, Warren’s police commissioner, said police are “grateful to have removed these items before they could fall into the hands of children”.
“This serves as an important reminder for families to carefully inspect all Halloween treats and to prioritise safety this season,” Mr Hawkins said.
This comes after parents were warned Halloween candy might contain concealed needles.
Santa Fe police received multiple calls from concerned parents who found sharp sewing pins in candy given out at a homecoming parade on October 16.
Officers went to three homes and confirmed the needles were found in the lollies, but said they had also received calls from several other families.
In a statement, the Santa Fe police department urged people who attended the parade to check the candy they collected.
