The Winnipeg Police Service is releasing details regarding the reports of THC "Nerds" candies found in children's treat bags after trick-or-treating.

Since October 31, the Major Crimes Unit has received over a dozen reports from parents regarding the discovery of cannabis edibles in their children's candy bags.

After investigation, a commonality was that the children were gathering candy in the South Tuxedo neighbourhood, and it was determined that children between the ages of 6 and 16 had received these THC candies.

Cst. Dani McKinnon says in a public advisory statement about the incident,"in meeting with the investigative team though, I can say investigators believe that nobody was intentionally targetted."

Police have recovered four packages and are in contact with the remaining victims to arrange the recovery of any outstanding packages. All "Medicated Nerds" candies will be sent out to Health Canada to receive the results of whether they are truly infused with THC. The labelling indicates that each package includes 600 mg of THC.

"They have a grasp on how many of these candies were distributed and they're doing a good and fast job on following up on this. So, we believe the community is safe," says Cst. McKinnon.

At 11:15 a.m. this morning, the WPS sent out a news release indicating that a suspect house was identified and two adults were taken into custody. Officers received a search warrant for a residence in the first one-hundred block of Coleraine Cresent. 

A 53-year-old female and a 63-year-old male with an unknown relation to each other are facing the following charges:

  • Cause Bodily Harm by Criminal Negligence x 13
  • Administer Noxious Thing with Intent to Endanger Life or Cause Bodily Harm x 13
  • Adult Distributribution Cannabis to Young Person x 13
  • Adult Distributribution of Known Illicit Cannabis x 13

Both were released on a Promise to Appear as Mandated by the Criminal Code.

There are strict government packaging required for legal distribution of cannabis edibles in Canada, Cst. McKinnon says that these candies do not measure up to the required packaging protocol.

Parents are still being encouraged to check their children's treat bags and to report any more suspicious or THC-infused candies.

Cst. McKinnon reveals during the questioning period that the WPS have received on report of a small chocolate bar that appears to have a sharp object in it located in the North Kildonan area.

"I don't relate that to this aspect of what we're speaking about and we're not saying there's a pattern."

The investigation is still ongoing.

To report the discovery of a similar THC item, call the Major Crimes Unit at 204-986-6219. Please avoid handling the package and set it aside safely for the police.

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