Local authorities in San Diego County have made a significant narcotics seizure after inspecting a business in the City of Vista. The inspection, conducted by the Sheriff's Narcotics and Gangs Division and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH), uncovered over 95,000 chocolate bars laced with controlled substances, said to be worth more than $3 million on the street. These bars, marketed as "Polka Dot," contained synthetic psychoactive drugs and a substance believed to be Amanita Muscaria mushroom, not recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration, according to the San Diego County Sheriff's Office.
These edibles posed a significant risk, with Sheriff Kelly Martinez expressing pride in the collaborative effort to remove the dangerous products from circulation, stating: "Products which are mislabeled and sold as safe to consumers, but in reality, are laced with dangerous levels of THC, psilocybin and other dangerous drugs are a threat to public safety and to consumers." This industry, powered by high profits and organized criminal activity, will be closely monitored to protect communities, the Sheriff's Office reported.
In addition to the Sheriff’s Office, the CDPH has warned consumers to avoid eating these chocolate bars. The PolkaDot brand Mushroom Magic Blend Chocolate Bars are potentially dangerous, especially to kids who could mistake them for usual treats. They have not yet been connected to any reported illnesses. However, the risk of serious health issues is high, particularly if individuals with underlying health conditions or on other medications were to consume them, according to the CDPH.
During laboratory tests, several flavors of these bars were found to be adulterated, including Belgian milk chocolate caramel peanut twist, intense dark, and Maui coconut twist. The bars have been distributed not only throughout California but potentially into other states as well. Dr. Tomás J. Aragón, Director of CDPH, praised the mutual efforts, stating via the CDPH website, “Partnerships like this play a big role in the CDPH’s efforts to protect the public from foods that may be unsafe.” Anyone with information regarding the sale of these products is urged to contact the authorities at [email protected], and anyone encountering these products for sale should report them to the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232.
