Sussex Police seize hundreds of packets of cannabis edibles disguised to look like children’s sweets
Police have seized hundreds of packets of ‘incredibly dangerous’ cannabis edibles disguised to look almost identical to the popular ‘Sour Patch Kids’ sweets.
Two men were arrested after officers raided properties in East Sussex on Monday, 8 August to discover the edibles, laced with the Class B Drug, and packaged with the branding ‘Stoner Patch’.
More than 150 separate items were seized from addresses in Bexhill Road, St Leonards and Preston Road, Bexhill, including huge amounts of cannabis edibles, more than 5kg of cannabis and cannabis resin and nearly £5,000 in cash.
The packages of sweets seized were brightly-coloured and looked almost identical to the popular and widely available ‘Sour Patch Kids’ sweets, but used the brand name ‘Stoner Patch’
‘Sour Patch Kids’ are popular children’s sweets which are widely available in supermarkets
Hundreds of packets of cannabis-infused edibles disguised as children’s sweets were seized during raids at properties in East Sussex on Monday, 8 August
Two men, aged 33 and 34, were arrested on being concerned in the supply of cannabis and released under investigation while enquiries continue.
Officers attended the addresses following information received from the community around suspected drug-related activity.
Sussex Police fear the ‘incredibly dangerous’ edibles are being packaged in a way to be ‘particularly appealing to children and young people’ and called for people to stay vigilant.
Inspector Aidan Cornwall said: ‘This was a significant operation with more than 150 separate items seized during lengthy searches at both addresses.
‘It was an operation that also highlights our commitment to listening to the community’s concerns and following up on the information we receive.
Sussex Police also recovered more than 5kg of cannabis and cannabis resin at properties in St Leonards and Bexhill during the raids
Along with the huge amounts of cannabis edibles and 5kg of cannabis and cannabis resin, nearly £5,000 in cash was found at the properties, according to Sussex Police
Sussex Police have warned that cannabis edibles can be ‘incredibly dangerous’ following the raid and said their consumption has been linked with a number of hospitalisations and even deaths
‘Cannabis edibles can be incredibly dangerous. For one, they are often packaged in brightly-coloured and professional-looking packaging which can not only look like legitimate food, but can also be particularly appealing to children and young people.
‘However, these items are produced in often unsanitary conditions and with no quality-control, meaning those consuming these products have no idea what the strength of them will be, nor what contaminants they may also contain.
‘The consumption of cannabis edibles has been linked with a number of hospitalisations and even deaths, and so we are particularly pleased to have removed such a large quantity from circulation.’
