Fentanyl-laced candy

Fentanyl disguised as candy discovered ahead of Halloween

Samantha Sandrew ‘25 Web Features Editor

An undercover Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, with the help of the Rocky Hill police, con scated 15,000 fentanyl pills disguised as Skittles and Nerds candy that two men attempted to smuggle into Connecticut on Sept. 8. e two men were charged with conspiracy to distribute and possession with the intent to distribute. As Halloween nears, the fear of drugs being disguised as candy has grown. Many Westport parents, such as Aneta Rompre, have concerns about their child potentially receiving fentanyl disguised as candy while trick-or-treating.

“My concerns lie with

“my children’s health and safety,” Rompre said. “Lacing or disguising the drugs to mimic candy increases the possibility that children unknowingly become innocent victims.”

Staples High School’s School Resource O cer Ed Wooldridge recommends reporting any abnormal food to the police. He also emphasizes the importance of having safety discussions with youth.

“[Our children] are probably seeing more stu on social media than we actually talk to them about. Have more conversation with your kids,” Woodridge said. He also Fentanyl is a very urges parents to remind potent opioid their kids and can cause an overdose in very not to take candy from strangers. small amounts." “Everybody should - Anne Fitzpatrick Staples Nurse be vigilant and not take ‘candy’ or pills from anyone under any circumstances,” Staples nurse Anne Fitzpatrick said. “Fentanyl is a very potent the police. He also emphasiz- opioid and can cause an overes the importance of having dose in very small amounts.” safety discussions with youth. Law enforcement stays extra vigilant during holidays like Halloween, where food is exchanged between strangers. “As law enforcement, we are trying to make sure the public is being safe and that we keep an eye on them,” Wooldridge said. “But parents and kids have to be diligent too.” ere are alternatives to traditional Trick-or-Treating for those who are worried. At the Trick-or-Treat with Stew Leonard’s Characters event at Stew Leonard’s in Norwalk, children 8 under, in costume, can come to collect candy throughout the store for free. Ultimately, parents bear the decision whether to practice traditional trick-or-treating. “Parents should do what’s in the best interest for their kids,” social studies teacher and parent Suzanne Kammerman said.

• 4 out of every 10 pills containing fentanyl have a potentially lethal dose (DEA).

Graphic by Hannah Conn ’23

• Over 100,000 Americans died from overdose in 2021, with 66% of those deaths involving synthetic opioids like fentanyl (CDC).

• A lethal dose of fentanyl can be as little as 2 milligrams, or ~10 to 15 grains of table salt (U.S. News & World Report).

Local Briefs

Nov. 11-14 Westport Library Big Fall Book Sale

e Westport Library book sale will begin on Nov. 11 from 8:45 a.m. -1 p.m. for ticket holders followed by free admission from 1-6p.m. e sale will continue through Nov. 14 with free admission (hours vary per day). Mia Kirkorsky ’24 Business Manager

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Nov. 11-19

Staples Players puts on

“Guys and Dolls” e Staples Players will present an opening night for “Guys and Dolls,” a classic Broadway musical. Tickets went on sale on Oct. 22 and can be purchased 30 minutes before curtain time in the lobby.

Nov. 19 Family “Chopped” Challenge

At the Westport-Weston YMCA, families will work together to make the best meal from ingredients in a mystery basket. Non-members can enter for $45, while members will pay a $30 fee.