THE Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth, and Information says it has not identified any incidents of the ‘strawberry quick’ drug in Jamaican schools.

“There are no verified reports of ‘strawberry quick’ in our schools. Nonetheless, we are urging all parents to have open conversations with their children about the dangers of accepting food or candy from unknown sources.

“The safety of our children is our top priority. Schools are also being advised to reinforce these messages and to report any suspicious activity immediately,” said Minister of Education Dana Morris Dixon in a media release on Wednesday.

“Please instruct your children not to accept candy from strangers and even not to accept candy that looks like this from a friend — who may have been given it and believed it is candy — and to take any that they may have to a teacher, principal, etc,” added Morris Dixon.

She underscored that the Jamaican Government remains committed to ensuring the safety of Jamaica’s youth and will continue working with stakeholders to raise awareness and prevent any potential threats in Jamaica’s schools.

The education ministry added that while it has not found the drug in Jamaican schools it will continue to actively monitor and work closely with law enforcement and school administrators to ensure the safety of students.

“We urge parents and guardians to have open discussions with their children about the dangers of accepting food or candy from unknown sources,” said the ministry.

Reports went viral on social media this week of a type of crystal meth going around that looks like strawberry pop rocks — the candy that sizzles and ‘pops’ in your mouth.

According to the social media reports, the drug smells like strawberry and it is being handed out to kids in schoolyards.

“They are calling it ‘strawberry meth’ or ‘strawberry quick’. Kids are ingesting this thinking that it is candy and being rushed off to the hospital in dire condition. It also comes in chocolate, peanut butter, cola, cherry, grape and orange,” the viral post claimed.

On Wednesday the education ministry urged parents and students to:

1) Not accept unfamiliar candies or treats — Children should be warned not to consume food items received from strangers or even friends without knowing the source.

2) Report suspicious activity — Any reports of suspicious substances should be immediately reported to school officials or the police.

3) Seek immediate medical attention — If ingestion is suspected, medical help should be sought without delay by calling emergency services.