DEA issues warning to parents about potential candy laced with meth, marijuana

ST. LOUIS, MO (FOX 11) - The Drug Enforcement Administration (St. Louis Division) advises law enforcement, first responders and parents to be aware of marijuana-laced and Methamphetamine-laced candy this Halloween.

These treats can look like traditional candies, but can have harmful effects if consumed by a child.

The DEA and law enforcement agencies throughout the country have seen an increase of seizures of drug-laced edibles, including chocolates, suckers and gummies.

According to the DEA:

Marijuana has a distinct and pungent odor. When the active ingredient (THC) is cooked into food, those noticeable characteristics are gone. However, the effects caused by those ingredients are now in the food. Examples of such foods include candy bars, brownies, and gummies.

Methamphetamine is a powerful, highly addictive stimulant that affects the central nervous system. It takes the form of a white, odorless, bitter tasting crystalline powder. Examples of such foods include gummies and hard candy.

Such items are often professionally packaged and can easily be mistaken for regular candy or baked goods. Last year the DEA noted that marijuana-laced candies sold in packages labeled; Munchy Way, 3 Rastateers, Twixed, Keef Kat and Rasta Reese's; had been collected during Halloween.

Unusual wrapping, appearance, unusual colors, odd smell, misspelled candy labels, candy or food that is unwrapped or unmarked.

If you believe you have drug-laced candy, please document any information you have, and preserve evidence for laboratory testing. Seek medical attention if a child ingests the candy, then call police.