Hamilton police are warning local residents about the discovery of fentanyl-laced candies disguised as regular candy. The candies were discovered during a search warrant.

Police did not provide details about the search warrant or additional information about the dangerous candy. CTV News Toronto reached out to Hamilton police for information on how many candies were seized, but did not immediately hear back.

"Disguised as candy, these dangerous substances pose a serious risk to public health and safety, particularly to young people who may unwittingly consume them," police wrote in a statement released Friday.

These specialty products are often brightly colored and packaged in such a way that they can be mistaken for store-bought snacks. A small amount of fentanyl can cause a fatal emergency because the opioid is up to 100 times stronger than morphine, police said. They add that the substance is unpredictable.

Common symptoms of fentanyl exposure include drowsiness, trouble breathing, confusion or dizziness, and a slow or weak pulse, officers said. Anyone who experiences these symptoms after eating a candy-like product is asked to call 911 immediately.

Police have released images of fentanyl-laced candies found during a recent search warrant.

"Time is of the essence to prevent a potential emergency," police said.

Hamilton police are asking the public to refrain from accepting candy from strangers, check what their children bring home, especially if they've attended a party, and talk to children and youth about the dangers of unknown drug use.

Police are asking anyone with information to contact them or Crime Stoppers anonymously.

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