DRUGS dealers in Glasgow are selling sweets laced with high-strength cannabis to kids on the social media website Instagram, cops have warned

The so-called “medibles” (Marijuana edibles) are the latest way to package drugs according to top detectives and the problem is Scotland-wide.

It is understood that the drugs, which look like chocolate treats such as Smarties and Mars products, are being sold to school pupils at the click of a button and are full of high-strength cannabis, called skunk’

The drugs contain the powerful THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol), the main psychoactive constituent of cannabis.

The Mail on Sunday carried out an undercover investigation to expose the sale of the drugs. Test purchases were made in Glasgow.

An undercover female reporter was warned the chocolate was “very strong” and only to eat a third of a cake to ensure she was not “knocked out.”

Detective constable Greig Baxter, from Police Scotland’s specialist drugs unit, said: “We have seen a significant increase in the number of individuals buying and selling edible cannabis products, or medibles, in recent years. It is a growing market.

“Make no mistake, this is on our radar and we are actively monitoring social media sites. Anyone caught supplying medible products should know it could result in a prison sentence. It is a controlled drug and will be treated the same way as other controlled drugs

“Some of the dealers are now operating huge operations almost like multinational companies – with managing directors and distributors.”

He added: “It is a trend, as the use of ecstasy was once a trend. It means you don’t need to smoke to consume the drug, which people appear to like.

“However, an edible chocolate bar can contain considerable levels of high-grade cannabis.

“As it is mixed with food, the dosage is much harder to control and certain chunks may have greater quantities of THC.

“It means medibles can carry even more of a health risk than smoking the drug.

“Labelling these chocolate products with popular brands could make these products more appealing to a child. It looks like a treat but it is dangerous, particularly to a young person.”

A spokesman for Mars Wrigley said: “We strongly condemn the unlawful use of our chocolate brands on these illegal products.

“We will be conducting an investigation on the misuse of our branding, which is grossly irresponsible.

“Any commercial association between our brands and the sale of these products must cease.”

A Nestlé spokesman added: “This irresponsible and illegal act could have very serious consequences and we are extremely concerned by the misuse of our brand in this way.

“We are relieved to see this is now in the hands of the police. We will proactively enforce our rights against the sales of these products.”