FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - June 7, 2017
UPDATE OF PUBLIC SAFETY CONCERN OF VENDING MACHINE TOYS CONTAINING WHITE POWDERY SUBSTANCE
Late yesterday, a concerned parent reported to police that their child retrieved a toy from a vending machine at a local restaurant in Bell Gardens. While their child was playing with the toy, it ruptured and a white powdery substance spilled out. The police department then reported that the substance tested positive for cocaine.
Out of an abundance of caution and concern for community members, especially small children who may come in contact with these toys, we made a public notification via Facebook and Twitter as well as local media outlets of a potential health risk, as we continued to investigate.
Further investigation has been conducted by detectives of the Bell Gardens Police Department on this case and it has been determined that the original testing performed on the substance revealed a ‘false positive’ test for cocaine.
During the continued investigation, the police department was able to locate and interview a vendor that provides toys for these vending machines. Additional testing was also completed that proved the substance was not cocaine. The specific substance resembles talcum powder or baking soda but has yet to be determined; we are, however, confident that it is not cocaine nor does it pose a health risk.
It is always a good practice to continue to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the police department.
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