The police are assuring the public that a message being circulated on social networking sites warning the public to be careful of 'Strawberry Quik', a flavoured illegal drug used to entice children, has no implications for Jamaica.

Since January, THE STAR understands that a warning has been swirling on networking sites warning parents in particular that the drug methamphetamine termed Strawberry Quik is possibly being sold in schools as candy.

Methamphetamine is an illegal drug which is said to increase alertness, concentration, and energy.

It is reported that in high doses, the drug can induce euphoria, enhance self-esteem and sexual desire.

However, checks made by THE STAR have revealed that Strawberry Quik meth drug scare has been around since 2007, and some websites have termed it as a hoax in the United States, adding that reports of children using the flavoured drug have not been verified.

It is reported that drug dealers were allegedly using colouring and flavouring to disguise the drug, making it more appealing to children.

crystal meth

The message read, "ALL PARENTS PLEASE BE AWARE!! ...There is a drug going around the schools ... it looks like popping candy that kids eat and also smells like strawberries and also comes in other flavours like chocolate ... this drug that looks like popping candy is actually crystal meth rocked up with strawberry flavour and can kill them."

When contacted, Senior Superintendent James Forbes, head of the Police Community and Safety Branch, told us that he is aware of the message.

However, he said that the drug is not in our jurisdiction. "It is nothing that is in our jurisdiction or our neck of the woods," Forbes told us.