Several adults and children fell ill in Belize after ingesting drug-infused candies after seeing a high number of students admitted to the Accident and Emergency Unit after consuming drug-laced treats.

A report from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) said that the Mass Casualty Code was triggered after seeing the mass casualties.

According to reports, “twenty-seven children, aged 5 to 15 years, have been examined at the KHMH along with four adults who appeared to be intoxicated. At the time of the incident, some of the children were unresponsive and unconscious. Presently, all children and adults are in a stable condition”.

Initial information is that the treats were purchased from two individuals, who are now in police custody along with some recovered items.

However, during their interviews, the suspects claimed that the treats were not purchased from the two individuals but from another source.

Belize Police Commissioner instructed that a thorough investigation be conducted to identify the primary source of the product and the office of the Prime Minister has also instructed that “a full and thorough investigation be conducted to determine the source of some sweet treats, confirmed by testing to be laced with marijuana”

Along with urine samples the treats were collected for forensic analysis.

The treats were collected for forensic analysis along with urine samples.

Public health inspectors were dispatched to the school but no other children were found sick there.

Parents have been advised to monitor their children for certain behaviors and symptoms such as profuse sweating, dehydration, vomiting, and abdominal pain