A distressing incident occurred in Amherst County, Virginia, where seven fourth-grade students suffered adverse effects after consuming gummy candies during lunchtime at school. The candies, initially thought to be harmless, were later found to be contaminated with a hazardous substance.
The situation unfolded when a student brought a bag of gummy candies to school and shared them with six classmates. Shortly after consuming the candies, the students began experiencing symptoms including nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle spasms. School faculty immediately contacted the Amherst County Sheriff’s Office for assistance.
Upon investigation, Lieutenant Dallas Hill of the Sheriff’s Office revealed that the gummies were contaminated with fentanyl residue. The contamination was traced back to the plastic bag used to store the candies. This alarming discovery prompted a swift response from authorities to mitigate any further risk of exposure.
Two individuals have been arrested in relation to the incident. Nicole Sanders faces drug possession charges, while Clifford Dugan Jr., a convicted felon, was arrested for firearm possession and additional charges related to contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
Dr. William Wells, the superintendent of Amherst County Public Schools, has assured the community that the risk of further exposure from this specific incident is low. However, he stressed the importance of recognizing the presence of fentanyl, a dangerous opioid, in the community.
All affected children are now safe and recovering at home. The incident has served as a critical reminder of the potential risks associated with fentanyl, even in seemingly safe environments like schools.
The ongoing investigation aims to hold those responsible accountable for their actions in this serious incident. The Amherst County community is now facing the challenge of addressing the broader issue of fentanyl presence and ensuring the safety of its residents, particularly children.
