‘Candy’ meth: a new drug threat

While there are no reports of students in Federal Way Public Schools being offered the substance featured in this story, we want to alert parents to the existence of a new form of methamphetamine that looks, smells and possibly tastes like candy.  A May 11 KOMO-TV report on the subject said that Strawberry flavored meth has been found in Hoquiam, and that it will no doubt appear in other communities if it hasn’t already. 

A USA Today story published late in March reports that police and drug enforcement officials are warning that dealers are creating candy-flavored meth to entice young people to try it.  The article (http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2007-03-25-flavored-meth_N.htm) reads in part:

“Reports of candy-flavored methamphetamine are emerging around the nation, stirring concern among police and abuse prevention experts that drug dealers are marketing the drug to younger people.

“The flavored crystals are available in California, Nevada, Washington, Idaho, Texas, New Mexico, Missouri and Minnesota, according to intelligence gathered by Drug Enforcement Administration agents from informants, users, local police and drug counselors, DEA spokesman Steve Robertson says. 

“Methamphetamine, a highly addictive stimulant, is usually a white or brownish, bitter-tasting crystalline powder that dissolves in water. It is usually smoked or snorted.

Among the new flavors are strawberry, known as "Strawberry Quick," chocolate, cola and other sodas, Robertson said. One agent reported a red methamphetamine that had been marketed as a powdered form of an energy drink, he said.”

Because meth is bitter, makers try to sweeten it and reportedly have used lollipops, sodas, candy, and anything else they can to make it easier for first-time users.  Federal Way police indicate that it’s also referred to as Yabba.

Our highest priority in Federal Way Public Schools is the safety and security of our students and staff.  The district is informing staff about the drug and strongly recommend that parents talk with their children – elementary, middle and high school aged – not to accept candy from strangers and to be cautious about accepting candy from their friends, who may have received it from someone else, thinking it is just candy.

Strawberry meth is described as pink and strawberry-scented. It may be in powder form or in a crystal form similar to rock candy, although some online reports have described it as similar to Pop Rocks, a pebble shaped candy.

As always, if you hear or see anything that makes you concerned for a student or staff member's safety, please call the Safe Schools Tip-Line at 253-945-SAFE (7233).  Please remind your students that they can do the same and remain anonymous if they wish.

June 11, 2007