Wiltshire Police issued the warning after officers allegedly recovered dozens of cannabis gummies packaged to resemble ordinary confectionery, alongside suspected cannabis vapes and cash.
The incident happened in Eldene on Monday when officers responded to reports of a man riding an e-bike who appeared to be involved in a suspected drug deal.
An 18-year-old man was arrested at the scene. Police said officers recovered 40 bags of cannabis-laced gummies, cash, 175 boxes of suspected cannabis vapes and several mobile phones.
The force said the packets claimed to contain up to 1,000mg of THC – the psychoactive chemical found in cannabis. Such a quantity could pose a significant risk if consumed, particularly by a child.
Swindon Neighbourhood Inspector Joe Senior said:
“These cannabis-laced gummies are designed to look like ordinary sweets, disguising them to parents and making them particularly appealing and dangerous to children and young people.
“We would urge parents to speak with their children about the risks, remain vigilant for unfamiliar sweets or packaging, and report any concerns to police.”
Wiltshire Police said the seizure reflects a growing trend across the UK, with cannabis edibles increasingly packaged to imitate popular sweets and snacks. Officers warned this makes them harder to distinguish from genuine confectionery and raises the risk of accidental consumption by children.
Unlike smoked cannabis, edible cannabis products can take up to two hours before their full effects are felt. Health experts warn this delay can lead users to consume more, believing the first dose has not worked.
Police also warned that cannabis edibles can contain unexpectedly high or inconsistent levels of THC, making their effects difficult to predict.
Several police forces and health authorities have previously issued warnings after children were hospitalised following the accidental consumption of cannabis edibles. Concerns have also been raised about brightly coloured packaging being used to disguise illegal drugs as everyday sweets and make them more attractive to younger people.
Wiltshire Police is urging parents to speak openly with their children about the dangers of drug-laced sweets, remain alert to unfamiliar confectionery or unusual packaging, and report any concerns about suspected drug dealing to officers.
