Lethal Lollipops (Halloween Safety)

by June M. Ramos, Western States Information Network

With Halloween just around the corner, those of us with children in our lives need to take the usual precautions to make sure the candy received is safe.

Unfortunately, we have a new drug trend to be on alert for. Recent intelligence reports from around the country indicate a growing trend of manufacture and sale of lollipops containing controlled substances. Substances found vary from Psilocybin mushrooms to heroin. These pops are a particular threat to children due to their appealing packaging.

Following is a brief summary of lollipops found:

Psilocybin Mushrooms
In July, an ongoing Jackson County Drug Task Force (MO)
investigation recovered what appeared to be homemade chocolate suckers during a vehicle stop. Closer inspection revealed chunks of Psilocybin Mushrooms.

This is a photo of Chocolate Covered Psilocybin Mushrooms from the DEA Homepage
Similar Chocolate Lollipops have also been found.

THC & PCP
The Illinois State Police Forensic Science Center received lollipops containing 9-tetrahydrocannibinol (THC) and phencyclidine (PCP) being sold on the west side of Chicago. The seller of these lollipops, who has since had charges filed against him, was selling them for between $10 and $30 each.

Cannabis
The online seller of these Cannibus [sic] Candy Chronic Pops claims that these pops are real and legal as the THC has been removed. The seller also claims that these pops contain no marijuana and are not for sale to minors. One pop sells for $2.95, 3 for $7.95, and 1 dozen for $21.95.

Heroin
The DEA laboratory in New York analyzed lollipops in loose wrappers seized from LaGuardia Airport. These pops varied from ¾ inch to 1-inch diameter and consisted of a candy shell surrounding a powder interior. The powder was found to be 64% heroin hydrochloride. The lab has also received similar lollypops
containing cocaine hydrochloride.

Although many of these tips are common sense, please take a moment to review them and share with those around you with children. Remember to be safe and have fun!

Halloween candy safety tips:
· Instruct children not to snack on candy while out trick-or-treating.

Be sure you examine all candy for tampering
before consumption.

· Tell children not to accept and, especially, not to eat
anything that is not commercially wrapped.

· Discard candy or treats that are homemade, unwrapped or
if they appear to have been tampered with (pinholes in
wrappers, torn wrappers, etc.).

· Parents of young children should remove any choking
hazards such as gum, peanuts, hard candies or small
toys.
· Wash all fresh fruit thoroughly, inspect it for holes, including small punctures, and cut it open before allowing children to eat it.

If you have any further information on adulterated lollipops for
dissemination to law enforcement please submit it to June Ramos
by e-mail at jramos@wsin.riss.net or call (916) 263-1178.

This is pretty serious people. Things like this are found everyday. I am very grateful for being priviledged enough to receive these kinds of law enforcement bulletins.

While it is unlikely that anyone would give these "candies" to children it is always a possibility. Please spread the word, and show your children and other parents you know these pictures and have a safe and happy Halloween.

TRICK-OR-TREAT!!!

SlagleRock Out!

Posted by SlagleRock at October 30, 2004 05:02 PM