Halloween candy safety alert as authorities find THC-infused treats

As children across the country plan to don costumes for another year of Halloween trick-or-treating, authorities are sounding the alarm about the potential for drug-laced snacks to find their way into children’s candy bags.

Last week, the Michigan police department issued a warning to parents after an investigation turned up several large packages of candy, chips and other snacks that at first glance appeared to be hidden in conventional packaging but were actually laced with THC and psychedelic mushroom products.

“The packaging made these products appear to be regular, well-known candies and snacks,” the Warren Police Department said. a newsletter. “It is clear that these items were deliberately designed to mimic popular treats that any child would enjoy eating.”

The incident is one of many happening in the country; Law enforcement authorities in the United States are warning parents to control their children’s sweets.

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A traffic stop earlier this month led Florida police to discover brightly colored candies reminiscent of pearlescent gum balls field tested for fentanyl, according to the West Palm Beach Police Department. Police said subsequent tests did not reveal the presence of any narcotic substance, but its similarity to the deadly synthetic opioid raised concern.

Fentanyl is described as a “potent synthetic opioid” that can be 50 times more potent than heroin and 100 times more potent than morphine; The ministry warns that even trace amounts can be fatal.

“We urge everyone to take extra precautions as Halloween approaches,” West Palm Beach police Chief Tony Araujo said. a newsletter. “If you think you or your child may have come into contact with fentanyl in any form, do not touch it and call 911 immediately. Your safety is our top priority, and rapid response can save lives.”

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Florida police seized pearl gummies during a traffic stop in West Palm Beach on October 1, 2025. (Palm Beach Police Department)

According to the West Palm Beach Police Department, the candies can be manufactured to look like common store-bought treats; This is a common tactic used by traffickers to appeal to children and young adults while also creating addiction.

Psychiatrist Dr. who treats children and young people. This trend is a point of concern for medical professionals across the country, Carole Lieberman said.

“Although this is a responsible initiative, [authorities] To warn families about the danger of lacing Halloween candy with drugs, Lieberman told Fox News Digital that the chances of children and parents being able to recognize the dangerous ones are slim.

“Even the police had trouble distinguishing the fake from the real thing, so children would definitely have this problem too.”

Incidents of children consuming illegal substances masquerading as candy have made headlines over the years.

In April, a public school teacher in New York was placed on paid administrative leave after accidentally giving THC gummies to two of her students. accordingly WKBW.

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As drug-laced candies become harder to distinguish from traditional treats, authorities across the country are sounding the alarm ahead of Halloween night. (iStock)

The unnamed teacher allegedly offered what appeared to be a bag of Sour Patch Kids candy to two students during swimming class, the source reported. The package reportedly looks almost identical to the original treat, except for a small label stating that the gummies contain 500 milligrams of THC.

One student reported feeling ill after eating the gum, and both students were transported to the hospital for evaluation, according to WKBW.

A similar incident occurred at a Pennsylvania school in 2022 after six middle school students were hospitalized after eating food containing mysterious drugs. accordingly Central Daily Times.

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All six children reportedly “suffered serious illness within minutes of each other” and were later taken to the hospital for treatment, the outlet reported.

The South Allegheny County School District and Buffalo Public Schools did not immediately respond to Fox News Digital’s request for comment.

“The problem is that there are people who are jealous of their childhood, jealous of kids having fun, just angry at their neighbors,” Lieberman said. “[They] I want to try to hurt people by putting drugs in candy. “This is a real risk.”

As families take to the streets to celebrate Halloween night, Lieberman and various law enforcement officials are imploring parents to prioritize safety when it comes to their children’s trick-or-treating experience.

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According to the Warren Police Department, caregivers should carefully inspect all candy before allowing their children to enjoy it and should also discard unwrapped or homemade items.

Police also said parents should talk to their children about not eating candy until an adult has had a chance to make sure everything is safe.

“[Kids] “They get excited about the kinds of candy they get,” Lieberman told Fox News Digital. “I mean, it’s hard to expect a kid to do that. [not eat their candy]. But of course parents should be parents. “They have a responsibility to be parents and to really set a firm rule about it.”

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Lieberman also warns parents to know the signs of a drug overdose and look for symptoms such as breathing and heart rate changes, nausea or unusual behavior in their child.

He hopes that by raising awareness, communities will continue to participate in the festivities and ensure everyone stays safe.

“Trick-or-treating is a fun experience and it’s sad to have to hinder it,” Lieberman said. “But it’s important to keep the tradition of Halloween and trick-or-treating alive because it’s a night of fun for kids, families and communities.”