By Gina Yarbrough
Vista, CA–The San Diego County Sheriff’s Office has confirmed the seizure of chocolate bars containing narcotics from a North County business.
In September, detectives from the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Gangs Division, along with the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team, partnered with officers from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) to inspect a Vista business. The inspection targeted a chocolate product called “Polka Dot,” suspected of being adulterated with Amanita Muscaria mushroom derivatives, which are not deemed “Generally Recognized as Safe.”
The Polka Dot brand has a known history of tampering and counterfeiting by various manufacturers. Samples of the chocolate bars were placed under embargo and tested by the San Diego County Regional Crime Laboratory. Results revealed the presence of controlled substances, including 4-Acetoxy-DET and 4-Hydroxy DET, both classified as hallucinogens similar to the powerful psychedelic drug DMT.
Subsequent inspections led to the surrender of the products by the manufacturing company. Over 95,000 chocolate bars, weighing more than seven tons and valued at over $3 million, were seized.
“Products mislabeled as safe but containing dangerous levels of THC, psilocybin, and other drugs are a serious threat to public safety. This industry thrives on high profits and organized criminal activity, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our communities,” Sheriff Kelly Martinez stated.
Dr. Tomás Aragón, director of CDPH, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of partnerships in safeguarding the public from unsafe food products.
“The California Department of Public Health appreciates the joint investigative work conducted with the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office. Partnerships like this play a big role in the CDPH’s efforts to protect the public from foods that may be unsafe,” said Dr. Aragón.
Anyone with information about these products is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Office at Marijuanaenforcement@sdsheriff.gov.
The investigation remains ongoing, with no further details available at this time.
