New Jersey Warns Parents About Meth Tablets Made to Resemble Candy

New Jersey authorities are warning families to watch for illegal drugs that may look like candy or vitamins as Halloween approaches. In September, authorities seized tablets in Wildwood during law enforcement activity; the pills were marketed as ecstasy but tested positive for methamphetamine.

Some tablets were pressed into cartoon-character shapes or stamped with popular insignias. Others were dyed bright colors. Police said their appearance might make it harder for children and adults to tell the drugs apart from harmless items. The seizure was not linked to Halloween or to reports of drugs being given to trick-or-treaters.

Authorities advised parents to check treats for misspelled brand names, unbranded or unusual packaging, and items that are unwrapped. The Food and Drug Administration also recommends looking for damage to commercially wrapped treats, such as tears or holes.

If a child’s bag contains a strange-looking pill, powder, or another questionable item, authorities advise keeping it away from children and avoiding tasting or unnecessary handling. Parents who think an item may be an illegal drug should reach out to police in their area. If a child may have ingested a substance of unknown identity, call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222; call 911 if the child is unconscious, struggling to breathe or having a seizure.