+7 (777) 001 44 99
Қазақша
Русский
English
Қазақша
Русский
English
Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstanis are widely sharing alarming messages in messengers about strawberry-flavored candies allegedly laced with narcotics and being handed out to children at schools and on the streets. Tengrinews.kz reporters investigated the truth behind this viral warning.
The circulating message, spreading through messengers and social media, claims that strangers are giving children methamphetamine-laced candies called "Strawberry Quick" in schoolyards and residential areas.
"Children swallow them, thinking they are regular candies, and are then rushed to the hospital in critical condition. Please forward this message to as many people as possible (even if they don't have children) so we can raise awareness and hopefully prevent any tragedies," the alarming message states.
Social media screenshot
However, it turns out that the "strawberry drug" myth originated in the U.S. back in 2007. At the time, American media widely discussed claims that drug dealers were allegedly producing candy infused with psychoactive substances to attract teenagers. However, police found no real evidence to support these rumors.
From 2014 to 2018, this "scare story" circulated in different countries, fading away at times and then resurging. In 2025, the legend of drug-laced candies has regained popularity and reached Kazakhstan.
Social media screenshot
Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has also refuted the circulating information.
"A message is being spread in WhatsApp chats claiming that children in schools may be offered 'Strawberry Quick' and other flavored candies containing the drug crystal methamphetamine. However, this information has not been confirmed and is a fake," the statement reads.
The MIA reminded citizens that spreading deliberately false information that could cause panic or other negative consequences is a criminal offense. They urged Kazakhstanis to be cautious and responsible when sharing messages and not to believe unverified information.
"Nevertheless, we call on parents to educate their children about the dangers of accepting anything from strangers in general," the ministry added.
Notably, this is not the first myth about "drug-laced candies" to spread in Kazakhstan. In 2022, similar rumors claimed that sweets were being handed out near kindergartens and schools, supposedly causing children to be hospitalized or even die after consuming them.
