Some US holidays are characterized almost entirely by their endorsement of candy — namely, Halloween and Valentine’s Day.
Celebrated by children and adults alike, these days are all about giving and getting sweets. But, every year, police find threatening substances that are only disguised as candy.
Holiday “candy”
Over this last Halloween came an example in which drugs disguised as candy (along with other contraband) were discovered after a suspect fled the scene of a hit-and-run car accident.
Authorities confiscated pills shaped like cartoons. Specifically, the pills took the form of characters, Hello Kitty, Homer Simpson and the Minions from Despicable Me.
As Valentine’s Day nears — another holiday characterized by candy-sharing — police will be on the lookout for controlled substances imitating popular candy hearts.
Types of drugs commonly disguised as candy
This disguise trend is common for ecstasy and molly. Marijuana edibles are also common to see in the form of lollipops or other candy.
Why are drugs disguised as candy?
Disguising drugs as candy is meant to lure teens and young adults into purchasing them. The childish appearance of the substance creates a façade that makes the drug seem more familiar and less threatening or dangerous.
What are the penalties for purchasing these drugs?
For underage users, falling into this ploy is an easy mistake to make. However, Georgia has strict ramifications for possession of ecstasy and marijuana.
Possession of any amount of ecstasy, otherwise known as a MDMA, can be charged as a felony offense, punishable by two to 30 years of imprisonment along with hefty fines. The extent of these penalties is determined by the exact amount of the drug possessed and other circumstances surrounding the case.
Possessing marijuana in Georgia can also result in felony charges if an individual has more than one ounce of the drug. These charges are punishable by one to ten years of imprisonment.
What should I do if I’m facing possession charges?
Felony charges limit your employment and housing options, costing you time, money and opportunity.
If you or someone you know is facing drug charges, ask a criminal defense lawyer for guidance. An attorney can apply information regarding your rights and Georgia law to devise a solid defense strategy and seek the best outcome for your case.