Over 120,000 Cannabis-Infused Candy Seized from Vancouver Island Dispensaries

Cannabis edibles disguised as popular candies, including "Reefers" and "KushKat" chocolates, have been seized from dispensaries on Vancouver Island. With Halloween approaching, local police are warning the public to be vigilant after officers confiscated more than 120,000 illicit edibles, many packaged to resemble well-known treats.

The RCMP released images of cannabis-laced snacks, including "Reefers," which mimics Reese's Pieces with its yellow and orange packaging, and "KushKat," a product wrapped similarly to KitKat bars.

According to a police statement, while the edibles appeared professionally packaged, they were produced in unsanitary and heavily contaminated modular trailers. The edibles were confiscated during raids on two dispensaries in Port Alberni and Lantzville, as well as five associated residences. These locations were allegedly tied to an organized crime group distributing illicit drugs and contraband tobacco across Vancouver Island.

Six individuals were arrested in the raids earlier this month, and authorities are moving forward with drug-related charges. The RCMP also noted that some of the edibles featured packaging that falsely claimed medicinal benefits and contained dangerously high levels of THC.

Chief Supt. Stephen Lee, from the RCMP's federal policing division in the Pacific region, cautioned that consuming these products could pose serious health risks due to the contaminated conditions in which they were made.

"We urge everyone to be extra cautious, especially with Halloween fast approaching," Lee emphasized.