Police: Child finds pill in Halloween candy in NH

BEDFORD, N.H. (WHDH) -- A child found what appeared to be a tainted treat inside a bag of Halloween candy in Bedford, New Hampshire.

Police say a pill, wrapped in tin foil made to look like a Hershey’s Kiss was found in a Halloween bag after a night of trick-or-treating.

“The parents were mortified and they were very upset, as they should be,” said Chief John Bryfonski, Bedford, New Hampshire Police Department.

Police say the child got the pill while trick-or-treating somewhere near Technology Drive in Bedford, New Hampshire. A pharmacist told them it appears to be a dietary supplement.

“The parents spread whole on the table and the children were picking out which ones perhaps they wanted to trade and keep. One of the young children detected something that was unusual,” said Chief Bryfonski.

Police say they've begun an investigation in the neighborhood and alerted schools.

“It’s awful. On the other hand, the good news is, it was found and so hopefully there’s not more of it and everyone has to continue with vigilance,” said Celia Leonard, a parent.

Police say the child immediately realized it was not a piece of candy and told his parents.

Police have reminded all parents to be aware of what their kids collect on Halloween night.

“Make sure anything your child brings home for consumption, that it’s thoroughly examined; making sure that it’s a commercially manufactured product,” said Chief Bryfonski.

“I always go through all the bags and check all the candy wrappers, making sure no seals are broken,” said Dan Vincent, a parent.

Police say they sent the pill to the state’s forensics lab for further testing. Police also ask that if anyone sees something strange in their child’s candy to call them.