Police warn of new drug that looks like candy, make arrest
GREENFIELD, Ind. (WISH) – There have been more sightings of a new drug that resembles candy.
Greenfield police said their detectives recovered more than 1000 pieces of the candy look alike this past week.
“It’s pretty disgusting, you know,” Detective Randy Ratliff said. “The candies could be picked up by any child or even any adult.”
Now, after a two-month investigation into the manufacturing and dealing of these new drugs, police in Greenfield say they have arrested 30-year-old Jeramie Smith. Officers believe Smith was selling the candies for $8 to $10 per candy.
Police believe he sold the candy to adults but they’re still asking local parents to check their kids for the candy.
Melissa Watson is a Greenfield local and mom to a 3-year-old.
“I’m very concerned. I’m going to have to start checking my son on a regular basis for what kind of candy he has and whatnot.”
Over the course of their investigation, police obtained a search warrant for Smith’s apartment in the 2100 block of North West Bay Drive. During the search, the drug that looks like the candy SweeTarts plus methamphetamine, syringes, baggies, scales and concentrated THC for vape pens were discovered.
Police also say that when officers arrived Smith was in the process of making more of the dangerous candy-looking drugs. The finished and unfinished product of the drug found at Smith’s apartment were estimated at $20,000.
The new drug looks like the candy SweeTarts but is anything but sweet. The drug could be laced with everything from Xanax to heroin. The reason the drug may be appealing to teens is because of the Xanax. That is a prescription medicine that is often used to treat anxiety.
“What we’re told on the streets is that he’s treating them with ecstasy, liquid THC, methamphetamine and heroin,” Ratliff said
Police say Smith was manufacturing and distributing the drugs throughout Hancock and surrounding counties.
Police say if you come across the drug do not take it and call police right away.
Smith faces a number preliminary charges including dealing and possession of methamphetamine, possession of a controlled substance, unlawful use of a syringe and maintaining a common nuisance.
“Xanie Tarts” have been seen in other communities too. In April, Bartholomew County officials found that a 17-year-old Columbus High School student had the drug.