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Greenfield police arrest man in connection with 'Sweet Tarts' drugs

Posted at 7:58 AM, May 16, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-16 16:49:41-04

GREENFIELD, Ind. -- After warning people about drugs that look like candy, police in Greenfield, Indiana have arrested who they believe is responsible for making them.

Jeramie Smith, 30, of Greenfield, was arrested Friday in the 2100 block of North West Bay Drive. 

When police arrived to serve a search warrant, Smith was in the process of making the designer drug called "Sweet Tarts" or "Smarties." Police say they also found meth, syringes, baggies, scales and concentrated THC for vape pens.

The drug is made by lacing Sweet Tarts candies with Xanax, a benzodiazepine used to treat anxiety disorders. Side effects of Xanax include drowsiness, slurred speech, memory problems and feeling anxious.

"He was taking packaged sweet tarts, unpackaging them and then putting liquid narcotics on top of the sweet tarts...packaing them back up and selling them," said Lt. Randy Ratliff. "Our biggest concern is a kid could accidentally pick one up if they find it laying somewhere, and pop it in their mouth and have a very bad reaction to it."

PREVIOUS | Greenfield police warn parents of drug-laced ‘Sweet Tarts' candies

Police believe Smith was making the drug, then distributing it in Hancock County and neighboring areas.

The street value of the drugs in Smith's possession was about $20,000. 

Smith is facing the following charges:

  • Dealing in a Schedule 4 Controlled Substance (Level 3 Felony)
  • Dealing in a Schedule 4 Controlled Substance (Level 3 Felony)
  • Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony)
  • Dealing in Methamphetamine (Level 4 Felony)
  • Corrupt Business Influence (Level 5 Felony)
  • Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
  • Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
  • Possession of Methamphetamine (Level 6 Felony)
  • Unlawful Possession of Syringe (Level 6 felony)
  • Maintaining a Common Nuisance (Level 6 Felony)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (A Misdemeanor)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (A Misdemeanor)
  • Possession of a Controlled Substance (A Misdemeanor)