Law enforcement are warning parents about the dangers of possible drugs being mixed in with their children’s Halloween candy this year after a massive fentanyl bust at Los Angeles Airport.
Someone attempted to get through security at LAX with bags of candy that contained around 12,000 fentanyl pills early Wednesday morning. The opiates were packed inside Skittles, Whoppers and SweeTarts candy, according to ABC 7.
The suspect managed to escape but has been identified.
The bust sparks new calls for parents to be mindful this Halloween about the candy their children bring home. This comes after multiple reports this year of fentanyl manufactured in rainbow colors or disguised in candy wrappers, in an effort to appeal to a younger demographic.
“With Halloween approaching, parents need to make sure they are checking their kids’ candy and not allowing them to eat anything until it has been inspected by them,” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department said.
The Sheriff’s Department continued to say that, “If you find anything in candy boxes that you believe might be narcotics, do not touch it and immediately notify your local law enforcement agency.”
Last month, police in Pasadena announced the capture of more than 300,000 fentanyl pills, including several packages of the rainbow colored kind.
According to the Pasadena Police Department, the candy-colored fentanyl seems to be a new method for drug cartels to attract children and young people.
So far this year, Pasadena police have seized about 708,500 fentanyl pills, according to a press release.
Police are encouraging parents to talk with their kids about the fentanyl problem, especially since just one pill can cost a life.