Police Warn of Fentanyl Disguised as Candy Ahead of Halloween

Published on October 01, 2025

West Palm Beach Police Badge

UPDATE as of October 6, 2025

During a recent traffic stop in West Palm Beach, officers seized brightly colored substances that field-tested positive multiple times for Fentanyl disguised to look like candy. The material appeared to resemble pearlescent gumballs, raising concern due to its similarity to a deadly synthetic opioid often linked to overdoses nationwide.

Out of an abundance of caution and with Halloween approaching, this information was shared prior to the completion of confirmatory laboratory testing. Subsequent testing revealed no presence of narcotics.

West Palm Beach Police Warn of Fentanyl Disguised as Candy Ahead of Halloween

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (October 1, 2025) – A recent traffic stop in West Palm Beach resulted in the seizure of brightly colored Fentanyl disguised to look like candy. In this case, the deadly synthetic opioid was designed to resemble pearlescent gumballs.

According to detectives, traffickers are intentionally producing Fentanyl in candy-like forms to attract children and young adults and to drive addiction.

Fentanyl is a powerful synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin and 100 times stronger than morphine. Even trace amounts can be fatal.

So far in 2025, the West Palm Beach Police Department has removed more than 8.1 pounds of Fentanyl from city streets—a quantity capable of causing thousands of overdoses.

“As Halloween nears, we urge everyone to take extra precautions,” said Tony Araujo, Chief of Police for West Palm Beach. “If you believe you or your child may have come into contact with Fentanyl in any form, do not touch it and call 911 immediately. Your safety is our top priority, and swift action can save lives.”

The West Palm Beach Police Department encourages residents to:

  • Inspect all candy and treats before allowing children to consume them.
  • Learn the signs of a fentanyl overdose.
  • Seek help for substance use disorders.
  • Report any suspicious drug activity to law enforcement.

By staying alert and working together, the community can help keep this deadly drug out of our neighborhoods and ensure a safe and fun Halloween for all.

Rainbow-Fentanyl.jpeg

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Rachel Leitão

Public Information Officer

pdpio@wpb.org

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