Drugs Packaged As Candy: Salem Man Charged With Illegal Sales

SALEM, MA — Salem police seized what they called "significant amounts of marijuana, THC products, psychedelic mushrooms, U.S. currency and drug paraphernalia," much of which they said was packaged to look like candy, in a Lafayette Street bust earlier this month.

Michael Bradley, 40, was charged with eight counts of drug possession with intent to distribute after what police called a "large amount" of edible THC products were found in packaging resembling candy with "bright colors and cartoon-like characters."

"Some even stated 'skittles' and 'starbuds' and looked almost identical to what would be found in any variety store," police said.

Police said Bradley was charged with three counts of distribution of a Class D substance, one count of possession with intent to distribute a Class D substance, three counts of possession with intent to distribute a Class C substance and one count of possession with intent to distribute a Class B substance.

"Individuals, students, parents, and schools should be aware that products containing marijuana or THC may be packaged in ways that could pass as normal candy or other foods," police said.

Police said the arrest warrants were granted by Salem District Court after an investigation into illegal drug sales.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)