Strawberry Quick – A Dangerous Drug for School Kids or Just a Hoax

A rapidly circulating rumour regarding school children unknowingly consuming drugs disguised as candy has generated panic among parents and school administration. An image of a new drug known as Strawberry Quik is being circulated on social media platforms, claiming that it is targeted among school children across the country. According to the rumours, the strawberry Quik meth myth is crystal meth available in the form of Strawberry Pop Rocks (a type of candy popular among children that sizzles and crackles in the mouth). Schools have ramped up their investigation, and parents have been alerted to ensure the safety of their children.

The circulation of misinformation and false rumours on the internet and messaging apps is nothing new. However, to what extent it creates panic among people is a concern. Before you look for precautionary measures, let us tell you that Strawberry Quick drug circulation in India is a hoax, a false rumour.

Continue to learn more.

What Is Strawberry Quick?

Strawberry Quick, also referred to as Strawberry Quik, is a popular children’s candy that resembles Pop Rocks® and crackles and pops in the mouth.

Today, it is being circulated with a new twist as an old drug—Strawberry Quick drug with the main ingredient methamphetamine, otherwise known as meth or crystal meth. Methamphetamine is a drug that stimulates the central nervous system and produces euphoric effects in the body. The consumption of meth is addictive and can lead to several health issues, including addiction to stimulants, unhealthy increased energy, addiction to the feeling of euphoria, skin diseases, cardiovascular diseases, tooth decay, and more.

Why Is it Gaining Attention?

Strawberry Quick has been gaining attention due to its relation to the methamphetamine drug. Local unconfirmed sources have claimed that meth makers are trying to introduce drugs to children by distributing them in the form of children’s candy. The myth has been in circulation in media since early 2007 in the US, and according to several stories, drug dealers are masking meth in the form of strawberry-flavoured Pop Rocks® and Nesquik. Various unclaimed reports suggest that drug dealers are targeting children, especially school-going, with flavoured and coloured crystal meth that would entice children to consume it.

It first gained attention in the western states of the United States in early 2007 when the news of a sweetened and flavoured version of methamphetamine started circulating in schools and social media pages like Facebook. However, beginning in California at the start of 2010 to finding about it in Missouri, police found no connection between Strawberry Quick meth and Pop Rocks® or strawberry-flavoured Nestle Nesquik® powder.

The stories of Strawberry Quick flooded Facebook frequently, where alleged images of the drug spread among school groups. The scare of the drug increased so much that school administrations held meetings with concerned parents to curb the spread.

Earlier rumoured in the United States, the hoax spread to other parts of the world, including South Asia, where false information spread like wildfire.

Myth Vs Reality of Strawberry Quick

Stories of drugs targeting teens and children circulate frequently in social media groups, creating panic among parents. However, it is important to filter out the myth from the reality.

Myth

Strawberry Quick drug is a sweetened and flavoured form of methamphetamine disguised as a children’s candy. It resembles Pop Rocks or rock candy, which quickly sizzles and pops in the mouth and can mislead children into consuming it as candy. It has also been rumoured that it is available in various other flavours to entice children.

Reality

Strawberry Quick meth drug is a MYTH. Capital Superintendent of Police Rohit Rajbir Singh confirmed the information regarding the circulation of the narcotic drug Strawberry Quik meth, in the form of candies among school-going children, is an old internet hoax which started in the US in 2007. It is a false rumour.

He has also confirmed that the US Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has repeatedly put rest to this false rumour, stating that no credible evidence supports the distribution of strawberry-flavoured drugs targeting children.

Snopes, a reputed fact-checking platform, debunked the false claims of the circulation of Strawberry Quick among school-going children (1).

Are There Any Long-Term Health Risks Among Children?

No long-term health risks exist among children, as the information is a false rumour.

Are There Any Legal Actions Taken?

No legal actions have been taken as the authorities have stated the Strawberry Quick meth distribution as a false rumour, and there is no clear evidence supporting its distribution.

FAQs

1. Is Strawberry Quick meth real?

Strawberry Quick meth is not real. There is no verified information supporting the distribution of candy-like flavoured drugs among school-going children.

2. How can parents stay alerted to rumours and correct information?

Before believing in rapidly circulating information, whether credible or not, and further sharing it with others, parents should refer to credible platforms and pay heed to what authorities say about such misinformation.

3. What should you do if you suspect your child is influenced by intoxication?

Whether accidental consumption or intentional use, parents should always stay alert when it comes to children’s safety. They should subtly note their children’s sudden changes in behaviour, frequency, and intensity. If something feels off or unusual, consult an expert. Signs of meth consumption are hyperactivity, aggressive behaviour, confusion, and excessive sweating. Seek medical opinion and consult school authorities if you suspect the supposed behaviour is coming from school. 

4. How can parents and teachers educate and protect children from drugs?

Educating children about the reality of drugs and their harmful effects in an age-appropriate way is highly important. Instead of ordering or stalking them, encourage open and safe communication with your children to give them a secure space to talk about such matters. Monitoring their surroundings and sudden behavioural changes are other ways of protecting children from bad influences.

Parents can have a sigh of relief now that the authorities have proved the information regarding the circulation of Strawberry Quick meth drug among school-going children a false rumour. Misinformation circulates like wildfire, but we must segregate rumours and reality to ensure our children stay safe and healthy. Tap your parental gut feeling, and if you feel off about your child’s behaviour, consult a child psychologist or a health expert in that area for proper guidance.

References/Resources:

1. Snopes – Are Drug Dealers Selling Strawberry Meth to Kids?

Featured Image Source: CVM Television (x.com)

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