More than a dozen kids at a New Jersey summer camp got sick after eating chocolate they did not know was laced with magic mushrooms, police said.
A counselor at a YMCA summer camp on North Arlington Avenue in East Orange noticed a camper passing out candy to others Thursday morning, according to police. Soon after, one of the campers who ate one of the suspected edibles started complaining about not feeling well.
Not long after that, 12 more kids were experiencing similar symptoms. One child was taken to the hospital as a precaution.
The campers affected are between the ages of 10 and 13, police said. All were allowed to be picked up by their parents after being evaluated by medics on site and are expected to be fine.
“This incident is deeply concerning, particularly because it involves the safety and well-being of children,” said East Orange Police Chief Phyllis L. Bindi. “The East Orange Police Department takes incidents involving suspected controlled substances extremely seriously. Our detectives are conducting a thorough investigation to determine exactly what occurred, how these suspected edibles came into the possession of a juvenile, and whether any criminal offenses were committed.”
The YMCA said in a statement the “safety of every child in our care is our highest priority” and that it was cooperating with the police investigation. The group also said it is policy that campers are prohibited from sharing food with others.
“There is enough blame to go around, you know, because at 11-year-old kid can’t buy these things,” said one parent.
Pictures shared by a parent of what the kids ate included products made by two brands. One of those companies, Silly Farms, said its products are intended for adults only and “in light of the fact that our products contain no controlled substances, we do not expect to receive any law enforcement inquiries. However, if we do receive such inquiries, we intend to respond promptly.”
The other product shown in the pictures was branded as Polk-a-Dot whoppers. The edible maker said three pieces will stimulate the mind, but referred to eating 10-15 pieces as “God Mode” where “walls will melt.” Polk-a-Dot did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Police said they have identified a suspect in the case, but no charges had yet been filed. An investigation was ongoing.
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