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JAM | Jan 30, 2025

Education Ministry says no reports of ‘Strawberry Quick’ drugs in schools

Toriann Ellis

Toriann Ellis / Our Today

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Reading Time: 2 minutes
Reports that no ‘strawberry quick’ drugs were discovered in schools across Jamaica.

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information has said that there are no reports of ‘strawberry quick’ drugs in schools across Jamaica.

The clarification comes amid the circulation of an image of teddy bear-shaped candies with warning messages alleging that they were being sold in schools.

Minister of Education Dr Dana Morris Dixon stated that there are no verified reports of the drugs in schools but encourages parents to speak to their children.

“We urge all parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of accepting food or candy from unknown sources,” the minister said.

Information Minister Dr Dana Morris Dixon speaking at a post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday, January 30, 2025. (Photo: OUR TODAY/Olivia Hutchinson)

She said that schools are also being encouraged to reinforce these messages and report any signs of suspicious activity.

The ministry expressed that in the case of ingestion, parents should seek medical help for their children without delay by contacting emergency services.

The Government of Jamaica remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of our youth and will continue partnering with stakeholders to bolster awareness of this pressing issue and also prevent potential risk, she continued.

She emphasised that the safety of the nation’s students is the Ministry’s top priority.

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