SweeTarts Containing Opiates And Benzos Found In NY

Yes, you heard it right. Most recently, a childhood favorite candy has become a disguise for well-known opiates and benzos. The deadly concoction includes heroin, Xanax, and Fentanyl. Police officials in Elmira, NY have issued a public health warning to local residents, parents, and first responders to be on the lookout for SweeTart candies that actually contain lethal substances. As you may already be aware, synthetic drugs, such as Fentanyl pose a risk to both the user, and others that come into physical contact with it. This can include first responders, family members, and police officials. Since Fentanyl is so potent, it can be absorbed through the skin and can cause potential overdose for anyone that does not handle it properly. Thus, this “imposter” candy creates an especially dangerous scenario for anyone who is within its vicinity.

Elmira Police Chief, Joseph Kane, told Spectrum News, “The big concern with this is that Fentanyl, opioids, can be absorbed through the skin, through contact with your face, anything that involves the skin. So, you want to be careful picking these up because you can be affected by them.”

These candies have surfaced throughout the Elmira area and reportedly have a small letter “S” stamped on them, which mimics the logo of SweeTarts, further hiding the true identity of these opiates.  If you are the parent of a young child, or someone who enjoys this candy, be aware! Officials are telling residents two things: Don’t touch the candy and if you do, wear gloves. And two, do not eat the candy unless it is in a wrapper. Just as Carfentanil made its way across the Ohio border into PA and Gray Death affected many states, this mixture of opiates and benzos will surely become an issue within other regions if not contained swiftly and properly. Keep in mind, Elmira, NY is only a two hour car ride from Wilkes Barre.

This Has Happened Before…And Will Most Likely Happen Again

Unfortunately, this is not the first time this has happened, and probably not the last. Just last year, in a small town in California, an 8^th grader was arrested for being in the possession of a controlled substance. Now, at first thought, many would think the young boy was in possession of marijuana or something similar, but no. In actuality, the boy brought methamphetamines disguised as Smarties to his school. After his behavior appeared strange to faculty and other students, the boy was approached. He claimed it was only candy in his possession, but after laboratory testing, officials found traces of meth in the candy.

And in February of 2016, Oklahoma County Sheriff’s deputies confiscated a shipment from Colorado that contained 42 pounds of THC-infused gummy candies. With new legalization of marijuana, manufacturers are attempting to make the most profit off of their product. THC, the main ingredient in pot, can now be found in gummy bears, brownies, and other “treats.” As we have argued previously of the dangers associated with legalized marijuana, this instance only further proves why the legalization is hazardous to society, and most especially, to our youth. Regrettably, with the amount of new, unknown synthetic drugs available on the black market and internet today, situations such as these will most likely happen again. Scenarios including Gray Death, Carfentanil, K2, Bath Salts, and now candy-infused drugs are all examples as to just how bad our problem currently is, and far away we are from getting ahead of it. Nevertheless, we have to begin somewhere. Educating yourself and understanding ways to protect you and your family are crucial in this fight

What You Need To Know About Opiates, Benzos, And Synthetic Drugs

As you can see, the problem is only getting worse. Our country currently faces the worst drug epidemic in history. Although politicians are working tirelessly to fight against opiate addiction, we still hear baffling stories like this every day. When things like this occur, some of us can’t help but feel like we have taken one step forward and two steps back. We understand the frustration, as we regrettably see the effects of opiates, benzos, and other synthetic drugs on a daily basis. These troubles are not going away anytime soon, so it is best to educate yourself and your family on drug use, addiction, and the deadly effects of synthetic opiates.

When dealing with any kind of illicit drug, it is of course important to always take precaution. This can include unused prescriptions you have in your medicine cabinet. Many times, the doctor will give us a prescription and we won’t finish it; we wind up leaving it in our cupboard and forget it’s there. It is imperative to know that many young people first experiment with prescription drugs they find in their own homes. Remember, you should always lock up your prescriptions, and if you do not finish it, dispose of them properly. Many states have initiated safe drop-off sites for unwanted medications…and when all else fails, flush them down the toilet.

As for opiates such as heroin, if you find it in your home, do not touch the packaging without first putting gloves on. Often times, heroin is now laced with Fentanyl, and as previously stated, it can be absorbed through the skin. Powerful opiates, such as Fentanyl, have even changed the way first responders approach a situation which involves drugs, so it’s important to always take precaution. And lastly, probably the most disturbing piece to this latest news report, is the mixture of these three substances. Heroin, Xanax, and Fentanyl are dangerous in their own right, but when you mix the three together, it’s a death sentence found in a candy.

Contact Clearbrook For Opiate And Benzo Addiction

If you or someone you love is addicted to opiates, benzos, or other drugs, we can help you. For more than 40 years, Clearbrook Treatment Centers has been providing effective drug and alcohol treatment to the chemically dependent person. We have had the privilege of watching so many restore their lives through the process of treatment and recovery. You can have that same opportunity. Please contact our Admissions Specialists today and begin your journey of recovery.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction please reach out to us at 570-536-9621.