In September 2024, Sheriff’s Detectives assigned to the Sheriff’s Narcotics and Gangs Division, Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET), accompanied Peace Officers assigned to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) on an inspection at a local business in the City of Vista. The inspection revolved around a chocolate bar product, “Polka Dot,” that had been adulterated with a substance not found to be “Generally Recognized as Safe.” The adulterant was suspected to be an Amanita Muscaria mushroom product. It is important to note, the Polka Dot brand has a history of being altered and counterfeit by various manufacturers, and an ongoing investigation is currently underway.
The samples of the chocolate product were placed under embargo by CDPH staff, who also took samples of the products for testing. A portion of the seized product was turned over to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office for testing.
The San Diego County Regional Crime Laboratory conducted testing on the products. The testing determined the product contained the following controlled substances: 4-Acetoxy-DET (4-Acetoxy-N, N-diethltryptamine) and 4-Hydroxy DET (4-Hydroxy-N, N-diethyltryptamine). Diethyltryptamine is listed in Health and Safety Code section 11054 as a controlled substance. DET is similar to the more commonly known Dimethyltryptamine (DMT) a strong psychedelic drug and hallucinogen…