Prime Minister John Briceno demands comprehensive inquiry into marijuana-tainted candy case; two suspects apprehended

By Zoila Palma Gonzalez: Prime Minister John Briceno has called for an extensive investigation into the origin of marijuana-laced candies that led to the hospitalization of multiple children and adults at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH).

The KHMH activated its Mass Casualty Code in response to the influx of students admitted to the Accident and Emergency Unit after ingesting the candies.

A total of 27 children, aged 5 to 15, and 4 adults were examined for intoxication symptoms. At the time of admission, some children were unresponsive and unconscious.

Currently, all affected individuals are in stable condition.

The Office of the Prime Minister reports that the candies have been sent for forensic testing, along with urine samples.

The investigation is being carried out by the KHMH, National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), and a team from the Central Health Region.

Public health inspectors and NDACC case officers from the Ministry of Health and Wellness have been deployed to the impacted primary school to conduct inquiries. No additional sick children were found at the school. An NDACC outreach case worker has also been sent to the KHMH to investigate further.

Preliminary information indicates that the candies were procured from two individuals, who are now under police custody along with some recovered items.

During questioning, the suspects claimed to have obtained the treats from another source.

Commissioner of Police, Chester Williams, has ordered a rigorous investigation to trace the primary source of the contaminated candies.

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