Elementary School Students in Amherst, Virginia Fall Ill After Eating Gummy Bears

Seven elementary school students in Amherst, Virginia, on Tuesday became ill after eating gummy bears that were in a sandwich bag that later tested positive for fentanyl, police said. Five students were taken to the hospital for medical attention but have since recovered, officials said.

Two people have been arrested in connection with the incident. One of the fourth graders brought the gummy bears from home to share with students at Central Elementary School. Emergency services were notified after the students fell ill and went to the nurse's office. The sheriff's office believes the incident was unintentional.

The candies were tested but it was the sandwich bag itself that came back positive for fentanyl, according to a statement from the Amherst County Sheriff's Office.

Clifford Dugan, Jr., and Nicole Sanders have both been charged with contributing to the delinquency of a minor, while Sanders faces an additional charge of possession of a controlled substance. Dugan also faces a separate charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and is being held with no bond.

Contamination Incident at Amherst School

During a news conference on Wednesday, Amherst School Superintendent William Wells revealed that officials suspect the contamination incident occurred either at home or on the way to school. The affected students displayed symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, and muscle spasms.

All of the children have fully recovered, with Wells confirming that "all the parents indicate they are doing well today." The investigation is still ongoing, and authorities are working to identify anyone else who may have come into contact with the contaminated bag at school.

Wells also mentioned that the school has been thoroughly cleaned since the incident, and it is not considered a hazmat situation. He emphasized that fentanyl has become a "community issue," and schools cannot simply "suspend their way out of" being impacted by the deadly drug.

In a separate incident in September, a baby died at a Bronx daycare in New York City after being exposed to fentanyl. Following the discovery of large quantities of narcotics hidden under the floorboards, several individuals were arrested and charged with operating a drug ring out of the daycare.