Here is an update to this story from the City of West Palm Beach on Oct. 6:
“During a recent traffic stop in West Palm Beach, officers seized brightly colored substances that field-tested positive multiple times for Fentanyl disguised to look like candy. The material appeared to resemble pearlescent gumballs, raising concern due to its similarity to a deadly synthetic opioid often linked to overdoses nationwide.
Out of an abundance of caution and with Halloween approaching, this information was shared prior to the completion of confirmatory laboratory testing. Subsequent testing revealed no presence of narcotics.”
Original story:
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Police in West Palm Beach are warning the public about fentanyl disguised to look like candy after authorities discovered gumballs filled with the powerful synthetic opioid.
Detectives say traffickers are intentionally producing fentanyl in candy-like forms to attract children and young adults — and to fuel addiction.
Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even a trace amount can be deadly.
“As Halloween nears, we urge everyone to take extra precautions,” said West Palm Beach Police Chief Tony Araujo. “If you believe you or your child may have come into contact with fentanyl in any form, do not touch it and call 911 immediately.”
Police are urging residents to carefully inspect all candy and treats before allowing children to consume them, learn the signs of a fentanyl overdose, seek help for substance use disorders, and report any suspicious drug activity to law enforcement.
Emily’s Hope has previously reported on similar incidents involving fentanyl disguised as candy, including pink heart-shaped pills that were part of one of the largest single-location seizures in New England history.
