GEORGETOWN, Guyana — The Customs Anti-Narcotic Unit (CANU) is warning parents and the public to be on high alert after seizing narcotics packaged to look like candy and dessert snacks in what authorities say is a dangerous new tactic by traffickers to target children and unsuspecting individuals.
In a statement issued Thursday, CANU said the brightly colored packaging featured cartoon-style graphics and playful imagery commonly used in sweets and treats marketed to children. The unit believes the deceptive design was a deliberate attempt to disguise illicit drugs as harmless food products.
“This packaging is intended to attract children and mislead the public,” CANU said.
Officials warned that the contents of the packages are highly dangerous and could cause severe harm or even death if ingested.
CANU urged parents, teachers, and guardians to remain vigilant and closely inspect unfamiliar products brought into homes or schools. The agency also encouraged the public to report any suspicious packaging or activity involving drug distribution.
“Protecting citizens, especially children, from the dangers posed by narcotics remains our highest priority,” CANU said, adding that it will continue its efforts to dismantle networks using increasingly deceptive methods to traffic illegal substances.
Investigations into the seized narcotics are ongoing.