A mother in Kansas City, Missouri, made a disturbing discovery after finding fentanyl hidden inside the packaging of a Barbie doll she had purchased for her daughter.
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Jade Adams bought the toy from a Cargo Largo discount store, expecting it to be a simple gift. Instead, she uncovered a dangerous substance while opening the packaging.
Fortunately, the discovery was made before the doll reached her child.
Barbie Packaging Found to Contain Fentanyl in Shocking Discovery
The incident took place in Independence, Missouri, where Adams said the powder burst out as the package was opened, covering both her and her husband.
Authorities were alerted on Saturday, March 21, and quickly began investigating the situation.
According to Adams, the substance had been concealed between the tape and the outer packaging, which police later confirmed had been tampered with.
"When [Adams' husband] opened it with a knife, it was like, poof, in the car," Adams said, via Fox 4. "We were like, 'What is that?'"
The Independence Police Department later confirmed the substance tested positive for fentanyl and notified the Drug Indictment Unit.
Officials also
issued a warning regarding Barbie dolls sold at the Cargo Largo location, clarifying that the dolls themselves were not contaminated, but rather the substance had been taped to the inside of the packaging.Family Raises Alarm as Investigation Continues
Shaken by the incident, Adams' family took immediate steps to prevent others from being exposed.
Her mother went directly to the store to alert staff and push for action.
"She went to Cargo Largo and was like you need to get these Barbies; you need to get all these Barbies," Adams added. "So, they filled a whole cart up of these Barbies and took them to security and were like, 'You need to check all of these Barbies.'"
Adams emphasized the potential danger the situation posed, particularly to children.
"They could have dusted that all over themselves, their house, wherever they opened it. Like, it's not just me, it's really just the kids for me. That's my baby, that's my last baby, that's terrifying."
Authorities later reported that five contaminated Barbie packages had been sold, but all have since been recovered. No injuries have been reported.
Police believe the incident may be linked to a known smuggling tactic used to transport drugs undetected.
The investigation remains ongoing as of March 21.
