New Crystal Meth Flavor Draws Concern

U.S. drug enforcement officials are becoming concerned that a candy flavor given to methamphetamine may represent a new focus on creating younger users.

Officials in states such as California and Washington, where reports of the drug have arose recently, are concerned that the new taste being applied to the addictive stimulant may be a marketing scheme toward recruiting younger users, USA Today reported.

Drug Enforcement Administration spokesman Steve Robertson said that drug dealers may indeed by adding flavors like chocolate and strawberry in an attempt to hide the true dangers of the drug.

Drug traffickers are trying to lure in new customers, no matter what their age, by making the meth seem less dangerous, Robertson said.

White House Office of National Drug Control Policy official Scott Burns echoed that sentiment, saying that a recent fall-off in the drug’s sales likely facilitated the change.

They are having a tough time selling this product, especially to young people, he told USA Today of meth dealers. What do people in marketing do when they have a tough time selling a product? They have to come up with some sort of gimmick.