Warning against ‘Candy drug’

The message claims crystal meth is being disguised as sweets or candy and given to unsuspecting children in schools.

But Benoni police spokesperson Lieut Nomsa Sekele said the police have had no such cases in the area.

“But we appeal to anyone who might have knowledge of that particular drug or any other drug at schools or anywhere to inform us,” said Sekele.

The message says the type of crystal meth going around looks like strawberry pop rocks – the candy that sizzles and pops in one’s mouth.

The message claims that drug dealers use colouring and flavouring to disguise methamphetamine as Strawberry Quik, thus making them more appealing to children.

This drug, called Strawberry Quick or Strawberry Meth, is apparently being handed out to kids in schoolyards.

“Kids are ingesting this thing thinking that it’s candy and some end up in hospital in a dire condition,” says the message.

The message says the drug also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange.

“Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers or their friends, who may have been given it, thinking it’s candy,” appeals the message.

The message urges children to take any suspicious pop rocks to a school teacher or principal.

The message creator sought to create “awareness and to even prevent any tragedies from occurring”.

The City Times was unable to trace the creator of the message and to find any evidence of the drug being given to local school children.

The South African National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence’s (Sanca) Clara Monnakgotla said Strawberry Quick is not entirely new.

“We heard about it years ago, but we have not heard anything about it recently,” she said.

Monnakgotla said crystal meth is addictive immediately and urged parents who might have suspicions that their children are using drugs to phone the Sanca toll free line on 086 147 2622 for help.

Monnakgotla shared some of the following behavioural changes associated with substance abuse for parents to look out for:

•  Change in overall attitude/personality with no other identifiable cause.

•  Drop in grades at school or performance at work; skips school or is late for school.

•  Change in activities or hobbies.

•  Chronic dishonesty.

•  Sudden over-sensitivity, temper tantrums, or resentful behaviour.

•  Difficulty in paying attention; forgetfulness.

•  General lack of motivation, energy, self-esteem, “I don’t care” attitude.

•  Change in habits at home; loss of interest in family and family activities.

•  Paranoia

•  Silliness or giddiness.

•  Moodiness, irritability, or nervousness.

•  Excessive need for privacy; unreachable.

•  Secretive or suspicious behaviour.