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Class A drugs have been found in cherry-flavoured gummies which retailers in Guernsey have inadvertently sold over the counter as CBD products.
There is now a seven-day amnesty - starting from today - during which anyone who has purchased the gummies can hand them to police or customs officials without facing prosecution for unlawful possession of a Class A drug.
Tests carried out locally found that the gummies contained a high level of cannabinol, which makes them a Class A substance under the Misuse of Drugs Law of 1974.
Possession of Class A drugs is a criminal offence which can attract a substantial fine or a term of imprisonment.
In a joint statement issued late yesterday, the Police and Border Agency said: "The effects of these gummies do not comply with other CBD products and can have a much stronger psychoactive effect than advertised.
"Because of the potential health risks they pose, and because of the high content of illicit cannabinoids, islanders should not consume or retain possession of these products."
Pictured: The Border Agency worked with the Police to identify gummies which retailers were selling over the counter not knowing that they contained high levels of a Class A drug.
The gummies can be handed in at the Police Station or at the front desk of the Border Agency's offices at the New Jetty.
"Going forwards, officers will be monitoring the import of CBD products to ensure that they comply with the local legislation," said the Police and Border Agency.
"Possession, supply or importation of a product containing a Class A controlled drug remains a criminal offence for which people can be arrested and prosecuted."
Andrea Nightingale, Substance Use Lead for the Health Improvement Commission, said she was pleased that the illegal products had been identified and that importation of CBD products will be closely monitored by law enforcement officials.
Pictured: Andrea Nightingale of the Health Improvement Commission.
"It’s concerning to see products being imported into our island that aren’t compliant with our law on drugs, especially when these have been sold over the counter locally as CBD products," said Ms Nightingale.
"These are stronger than legal limits and some contain cannabinol (CBN), which is a Class A controlled drug.
"We’re very pleased to hear that the situation is under control and being closely monitored by Law Enforcement.
“It is important to remember that a person can react very differently to the same drug, especially if the contents are stronger than expected."
Ms Nightingale encouraged anyone who is concerned about their own drug use or the drug use of a relative, friend or colleague to contact the following local services which are free and confidential:
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