Police warn of THC-laced candies

It may be nearly Halloween, but authorities in northern Quebec are trying to keep a certain type of gummy bear out of children’s hands.

Authorities in the Eeyou Istchee James Bay Territory are warning people to be careful after police recently intercepted a shipment of cannabis-laced candies that was destined for a local Cree community

“The seized drugs are gummy bear candies laced with THC, the ingredient found in cannabis,” the Eeyou Eenou police and the regional public health board said in a joint statement issued last Thursday.

“The gummy bears look the same as regular candy (same shape and colours), some are even sealed in a plastic wrapper as a regular candy would be.”

The news release said authorities still don’t know how much of the drug is in each candy and said they are treating the issue as a potential poisoning risk.

It said symptoms of drug ingestion in children could include difficulty walking, slurred speech, hyperactive muscle movements or

nausea.

“We do not know if this type of substance can be found in other Cree communities, so we want to alert all of the communities of the possible risk,” the statement said.

“We are paying a special attention to Halloween, but this alert applies at all times.”

A Quebec provincial police spokesman confirmed a 20-yearold man was arrested on Oct. 21 after being found in possession of more than 300 grams of edible products including rice krispietype squares, brownies and candies.