Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Halloween Candy: Is it a dangerous trick or is it a delicious treat?

All across the country, police departments are busting drug rings and labs run by everyday people.  This is not something new or surprising.  As soon as one drug dealer is put out of business, two to three more pop up in their place.  But what may surprise many parents, is the increasing number of drug busts that include candy made to look like candy popular with children.

Halloween is just a couple of weeks away, and children and parents are out shopping for their costumes and stocking up on candy.  Parents should take these ordinary moments to inform their children that not all people give away 'good' candy.  It shouldn't be a scary "the world is ending" type of talk.  But, each child should understand at the end of the talk, that they are not to eat ANY candy before a parent or trusted adult has checked it.

Parents, here are just a few pictures from different drug raids to give you an idea of just how difficult it is becoming to tell the drug laced candy, at first glance, from normal candy.

(courtesy of Houston Police Dept.)

Here is an example of Star Wars and Batman themed candy laced with Meth that has been molded to fit on lollipop sticks.  Also, here are some photos of other kid friendly shapes of butterflies and flowers also laced with Meth.  This candy may be innocent and unassuming in appearance, but once ingested can lead to very deadly consequences.

(courtesy of Greenfield, IN Detectives)

Police are also reporting an increase in the number of drug busts with drugs that look like Sweet Tarts, but are laced with everything from Xanax, Molly, Heroin, THC and Methamphetamine. Some people call them "Xanie" Tarts.  These 'tarts' have even been confiscated at middle and high schools.

Police said even though the candies are being shaped like candies, there isn't any indication that it's being done for the sole purpose of targeting children.  According to most of the dealers who have been arrested, the candy shapes make it easier to transport and less conspicuous to the average eye.  They simply see it as a bonus when it gets into schools, because they see the kids as future customers.

So parents, please take a moment and have a pointed discussion with your kids now.  Don't wait until you are walking out the door on Halloween night, and the kids have their minds on other things.  Pull up pictures, let them hear some of the news clips if necessary "because an informed kid is a safer kid."

Remember.... "If you fail to prepare them now, Prepare to fail them later."

#safeandunafraid #mvacaunited