Drugs disguised in bags from well-known candy brands such as Haribo and Skittles are promoted among children and sold through social media. That’s what the British discovered Sky News. Several children have reportedly been hospitalized.
Investigative journalists from Sky News saw that drug dealers mainly move on popular platforms such as TikTok, Instagram and Snapchat. Price lists and offers are then distributed via WhatsApp and Telegram.
The channel initially discovered via Instagram that dealers now use packaging material from popular candy such as Haribo and Oreo. However, the content offered has nothing to do with the original brands.
For example, cannabidiol (CBD) has been added to cannabis sweets, as they are called, making it illegal. Some batches contain a high dose of the psychoactive substance THC, which makes users stoned. Some packaging is specially adapted, probably from home. For example, images are circulating of ‘Stoneo’ bags instead of Oreo cookie brand.
To the hospital
It has led to worrying consequences, according to police in the United Kingdom. At least six children had to be hospitalized after ingesting the sweets. One child was only eight years old. A senior detective says the candies come with unhealthy side effects, such as loss of consciousness. “Because these drugs are promoted as sweets, they appear to be intended for children. It is worrying if they therefore fall into the wrong hands.”
The vast majority of British police forces have already identified marijuana candies as problematic. After all, children and young people easily come into contact with hard (drugs) through social media promotion. There is also a fear that a step towards drug dealing will become easier for teenagers. It is estimated that one third of the caught and arrested suspects are under 18 years old. Almost all police forces in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland see the drug problem passing by, 80% of the forces published about it or confirmed it to Sky News.
The companies behind the popular candy brands have criticized the counterfeiting of their products before. Some companies took legal action.
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