Drugs Shaped Like Cartoon Characters Discovered, Police Warn Parents and Teachers

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From the archives: This story was last updated in April 2019.

Georgians, take note, as when it comes to the safety of the nation’s children, no amount of caution is too much caution. Police in Atlanta, Georgia, are upholding this principle after posting a specific warning to parents and teachers after a massive drugs bust in September of 2018.

The Hapeville Police Department amassed a disturbing haul, including colored pills and lollipops shaped like children’s cartoon characters, after a suspect ran from the scene of a car accident but left his computer bag behind. There is widespread concern that the cartoon-shaped drugs may have been designed to tempt a young audience; global drug dealerships are forever inventing new ways to smuggle narcotics and evade the authorities.

“What reason would a drug dealer have to offer drugs that appear to be candy except to entice young people?” police department officials asked, rhetorically, in conversation with USA Today.

Hapeville is a small city housing approximately 6,500 residents. Nevertheless, CrimeReports shared that the city has historically recorded up to 12 drug arrests in a six-month period.

Police have warned and continue to warn parents and teachers to keep a careful lookout for the cartoon-shaped offending articles. The initial warning was especially timely, as it fell just weeks ahead of Halloween 2018.

Police representatives continued: “Our concern is these pills look like candy. Small children might ingest these items mistaking them for candy,” they clarified, adding that “teens may see these drugs as less of a danger based on their looks.”

Illustration - Roman Samborskyi/Shutterstock

The police department uploaded photos to their Facebook page, detailing the haul and the drugs to watch out for. Police confiscated two guns, one of which, according to Fox News, was allegedly stolen. They also seized “cash, suspected marijuana, pills, cannabis pops, and suspected powder cocaine,” according to their social media statement.

The cartoon characters depicted on the pills and lollipops included Homer Simpson, Hello Kitty, and the minions from the movie Despicable Me, in pastel colors.

“CID made a major bust today,” read the photo caption. “The pills and lollipops are designed to look like candy ... Parents, teachers, and coaches please make our young people aware of these dangers.”

It’s not the first time adults have been warned in this way. In 2017, a drugs bust in Atlanta uncovered a stash of methamphetamine lollipops shaped like flowers. Concerns were, quite understandably, focused upon the possibility that drug dealers were targeting children.

Drug policy expert Bill Piper of the Drug Policy Alliance disagreed, however. “It’s easy for people to fall for this marketing to children because there’s this misconception that drug dealers are standing on the street corner handing out free drugs,” Piper told The Washington Post. “Adults don’t want nasty-tasting stuff either,” he continued, explaining that flavored methamphetamine is largely manufactured this way for adult users.

Good-natured Georgian support flooded in to thank the Hapeville Police Department for their warning, nonetheless, and their work in keeping the community safe.

“Great job, Officers. Many thanks for keeping our city safe,” wrote one Facebook user.

“Please share with your little people and keep them safe from these!” contributed another.

Information beats ignorance; the Hapeville Police Department continues to strive to keep Georgia’s children safe from harm.