AKRON, Ohio — They may look like the cereals your kids love, but what's in these packages is definitely not part of their balanced breakfast. DEA agents are seeing a concerning trend now more than ever before on the streets of our area.
“If a child got a hold of this, it could be dangerous,” said DEA Special Agent in Charge Keith Martin, Detroit Field Division.
In a quick glance at the colorful packaging, it looks like the kind of candy, snacks and cereal kids love. But, it’s not until you look closer at the package that you see the snacks are not for children.
The cereal, snacks and candy are infused with THC, the principal psychoactive constituent of marijuana.
“If a kid saw them, a child would actually think it’s candy or cereal,” explained Martin.
Earlier this month, federal agents seized 2,300 pounds of THC edibles in Akron.
“The defendants in this case allegedly went to great lengths to market, sell and transport marijuana and THC products, often designed to look like candies, cereals, to their customers in the Northern District and across the county,” said US Attorney Justin Herdman.
Earlier this year, DEA agents confiscated pastel-colored meth pills that have a striking resemblance to children’s vitamins.
It’s a disturbing trend, Martin said, they are seeing more now than ever before.
“Not to this scale, this volume we’re talking about. Hundreds of pounds of edibles, and never with the meth in a pill form that looks like a kid’s vitamin,” explained Martin.
Authorities are reminding parents to talk to children about not taking or eating anything from anyone they don’t know.
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