Is Drug Infused Gummies Being Widely Distributed Across Belize City?
Hilberto Romero
As we said, one woman has reported that she got a hold of seven packs of gummies since Monday evening. Given her account, police are questioning whether the gummies are being widely distributed across Belize City. Also, A.C.P. Romero says samples have been sent to the forensic laboratory for testing.
ACP Hilberto Romero, Regional Commander, Eastern Division
“Samples have been taken to the forensic laboratory to determine what substance is contained in these gummies.”
Reporter
“Is there concern over perhaps a wider distribution than just St. Luke’s? We were talking to a parent just now who said that somebody gifted her seven bags of those candies and she took it home.”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Yes, that is a concern, that it was distributed in a wide area within Belize City. And so we are advising the public that if they come across any of these gummies, not to consume it, and to call us so that we go and retrieve them so that they can be tested.”
Reporter
“If persons are charged for this incident, what would be the charge?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“At the end of the investigation, based on all the evidence we recover we will look at it and then determine what the charges will be.”
Reporter
“Would it possibly be viewed as perhaps an act of terrorism against these children?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Again, I, we cannot see at this time. Uh, the investigation will shoot up thereafter, because we need to await the results from the forensic laboratory, what is contained in these communities.”
Paul Lopez
“So what can you tell us about those individuals or the persons detained at this time? A male, a woman, a man, whether they’re vendors of sorts? Where they’re from?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“I will not disclose where they’re from. There are several persons that are detained and are being interviewed. We will have that information when it becomes available.”
Reporter
“Are they cooperating?”
ACP Hilberto Romero
“Yes. Some of them are cooperating.”
Just before news time, the office of the Prime Minister issued a statement on the matter. The release says that the office of the Prime Minister has instructed that a full and thorough investigation be conducted to determine the source of some sweet treats, laced with marijuana, that were ingested by a number of children and adults admitted at the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital. The release goes on to say that the Ministry of Health & Wellness has dispatched public health inspectors to the affected primary school to investigate. National Drug Abuse Control Council has also been engaged to assist with the investigation. The Ministry of Health is advising parents and guardians to monitor their children for signs and symptoms of vomiting, abdominal pain, dehydration and profuse sweating.
