Streets across Canada will be filled with trick-or-treaters Halloween night, hoping to return home with a bounty of goodies. But as the children go out and have fun, parents may be a little more worried about the candy being handed out.
This comes after Winnipeg and Quebec police recently issued warnings about drug-laced Halloween candy and treats.
On Friday, police conducted a drug bust at a Winnipeg home and found fentanyl blotters, which they said could be circulating in the city.
The blotters, a paper used to consume the deadly drug fentanyl, are nickel-sized perforated pieces of paper and have an image of a witch on a broom.
“This is a huge concern,” Const. Rob Carver of the Winnipeg police said. “If someone touches these, if a child touched then it could be lethal. I can’t stress that any more strongly.”
The public is warned to immediately call an emergency line if they encounter a blotter — not to touch it.
Meanwhile, in Quebec, police are warning the public after officers intercepted a shipment of gummy bears that were laced with cannabis last week.
“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 Oct. 26.
“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.”
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The drugs were not aimed at children but police said parents should still be cautious and always check their kids’ Halloween candy.
“People at all times of the year should be aware of what they’re taking or ingesting,” Sgt. Daniel Thibaudeau said, stressing it is “very unlikely” that edible cannabis products would get mixed up with Halloween candy.
How to keep safe
If you’re really worried about your child going to a stranger’s door to get candy then, Noreen Agrey, executive director of the Saskatchewan Prevention Institute, recommends trying another Halloween activity.
“Parents really have to think that through,” she said. “What are the risks that you’re willing to take?”
The organization recommends kids head to a Halloween house party or a stroll around the mall.
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If trick or treating is the plan, police warn that kids should not eat candy along the way. Other tips include:
- Check before you eat. Always examine your kids’ treats before they eat it. Anything with open wrappers or looking like it has been tampered with should be thrown away. Never eat anything that is not wrapped.
- Beware of choking risk. Many candies are prime choking hazards so make sure kids do not snack on treats when they are talking, running or playing.
- Be allergy-aware. Parents of children with allergies should take extra care in checking contents of kids candy baskets.
— With files from Global News’ Wendy Winiewski
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