Officers were called to Cargo Largo, a discount store in Independence, around 10:18 a.m. March 21, after security reported finding a suspicious powder inside Barbie doll packaging.
Police later confirmed the substance was fentanyl. “Fentanyl was discovered taped inside the back packaging of the dolls,” according to police. The police then launched an investigation to determine how many products were compromised.
“It was determined five compromised units were sold,” the department said in a public statement. Officers were able to track down four of the Barbie dolls shortly after the discovery, with one doll initially unaccounted for that morning.
Authorities said they were following leads to locate the final item, and by 1:32 p.m. the police gave an update later that day, stating, “The final package has been secured and is in police custody.”
Officials added, “Thank you for your cooperation and to Cargo Largo for their quick action regarding this matter.” There have been no reported injuries linked to the incident, police said.
Authorities also said they don’t believe compromised units were sent to other retailers, suggesting the issue may have been isolated to a limited number of products.
Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opioid that can be fatal in even tiny amounts, making the discovery of fentanyl concealed in consumer packaging, especially children's toys, especially alarming.
The investigation is ongoing. Police have not said how the fentanyl was placed inside the packaging or whether any suspects have been identified.
The agency also warns that drug trafficking organizations often distribute fentanyl in kilogram quantities, with one kilogram having the potential to kill up to 500,000 people.
Because fentanyl is frequently mixed into counterfeit pills, individuals may unknowingly ingest it or have no way of determining whether a pill contains a lethal amount.