(TheLastPatriotNews.com) – BREAKING NOW: In a shocking new police bust exposing the extent to which criminals are using narcotics to target the nation’s children, North Carolina’s authorities seized vast quantities of drug-laced snacks and candies right before Halloween.
In a significant operation before the October 31 holiday, law enforcement in North Carolina confiscated drug-laced candies and snacks valued at approximately $170,000, CBS 17 reports, as cited by The Daily Caller.
This seizure occurred predominantly in the state’s eastern region, spearheaded by the office of the North Carolina Secretary of State.
The operation resulted in the capture of THC-infused candies and snacks disguised as well-known snack brands.
THC stands for tetrahydrocannabinol, the primary psychoactive ingredient of cannabis.
The confiscated items included counterfeit versions of popular brands such as Skittles, Fritos, AirHeads, and Oreos.
Along with these disguised edibles, various weapons and other illicit substances were also seized, as per CBS 17’s report.
“These THC-infused edibles are packaged using counterfeit snack brands that are particularly popular with children and teenagers,” North Carolina Secretary of State Elaine F. Marshall said.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, she emphasized the peril posed to communities, especially youth, by these deceptive products.
“This growing trend is dangerous for our communities and it’s important to raise the overall awareness of this issue with parents and all residents around North Carolina,” the official added.
Investigations revealed that most of the drug-infused items were being sold in vape and tobacco shops located near educational institutions such as high schools and colleges.
The packaging of these products was deceptively designed to mimic regular snacks, featuring appealing cartoon characters and imagery to attract younger consumers.
The operation involved the execution of eight search warrants and the cooperation of 24 suspects who consented to searches.
A collaborative effort saw the Secretary of State agents working alongside the Durham County Sheriff’s Office and multiple police departments, including those in Scotland Neck, Tarboro, and N.C. Central University.
Additional support was provided by the N.C. Alcohol and Law Enforcement Division, the N.C. Department of Revenue Drug Tax Unit, the Consumer Brands Association, Vaudra International, and Homeland Security.
