There has been a noted increase in the seizure of cannabis jellies and sweets in Waterford & Kilkenny-Carlow Garda Divisions this year.
Kilkenny Carlow Divisional Drugs Unit seized a batch of cannabis-infused sweets during a planned search of a house in County Carlow last week, following on from an earlier similar seizure in Kilkenny.
Gardaí are warning parents to be aware of these types of sweets, which are packaged to look almost identical to known brands.
The sweets are infused with THC which is a psychoactive chemical. Any product infused with THC is controlled under the Misuse of Drugs Act, 1977/1984, and their possession is illegal.
It is an offence to cultivate, import, export, produce, supply and possess cannabis except in accordance with a ministerial licence. Any such seizures will be fully analysed and investigated.
Gardaí are echoing the recent health warning from the Food Safety Authority of Ireland (FSAI) after a number of young people, some as young as 3 years of age, have fallen ill and required hospital treatment after consuming these sweets.
Persons who become unwell as a consequence of consuming drugs should seek immediate medical assistance by dialling 999 or 112.
Anybody with any information in relation to possession or availability of Cannabis Sweets is asked to contact their local Garda Station or Garda Confidential 1800 666 111.
