By Kelli Williams
City of Bartlesville
I see that Bartlesville police are warning everyone to check any candy they receive this Halloween because it could be laced with opioids. Has there been an incident, or was this just preemptive?
Police issued the reminder purely as a preemptive measure, Police Chief Tracy Roles said this morning.
Bartlesville Police Department issued a press release to local media recently urging local residents to carefully monitor candy received during the Halloween holiday, saying a recent drop in drug prices has resulted in more opioid medications becoming available in the area. Police say some popular opioids could be mistaken for candy, and that some of these pills, in particular Oxycodone and Hydrochloride M30, are often laced with Fentanyl or Xylazine, which can prove deadly if taken or even just handled.
While this reminder is pretty specific, it’s no different than reminders during past Halloweens, based on what is being observed in the community at the time. For instance, when I was young, we spent the evening avoiding sharp objects and heroin. Essentially, all of us should know what we’re eating at all times, whether it’s Halloween-related or not. But this is a good opportunity, police say, to talk to your kids about these drugs and emphasize the dangers in taking them, whether accidental or otherwise.
When should we celebrate Halloween this year?
This year, as with every year before and after it, everyone should celebrate Halloween whenever they want. The City doesn’t close for the holiday and has never designated a specific day on which to celebrate it. All we ask is that whatever day you choose, be safe and have fun!