INDEPENDENCE, MO - The Independence Police Department (IPD) is actively investigating the sale of five Barbie dolls with fentanyl taped inside the toys' packaging from the discount store Cargo Largo.
According to a Facebook post shared by IPD, the department was contacted by Cargo Largo security on the morning of March 21 regarding a "suspicious powder substance" located in the packaging of a Barbie doll.
Upon further investigation, IPD determined that five compromised dolls were sold and all were located within the same day. As of March 23, the department could not comment on the amount of fentanyl recovered, as IPD Officer Bryan Conley told USA TODAY.
IPD is investigating the origin of the shipment, Conley said, as Cargo Largo's business model is to buy damaged and abandoned freight.
Cargo Largo said it was fully cooperating with IPD and, due to the investigation, could not comment further. IPD said there is no reason to believe compromised units were sent to other retailers, and no injuries have been reported. As a preventative measure, IPD K-9 units conducted a full facility sweep of Cargo Largo, including both the retail store and the warehouse facility, KMBC reported.
Store officials said no risks were identified, and going forward, regular inspections will be scheduled to maintain a safe environment.
The store posted again, thanking the Independence Police Department and adding, "Last night, K-9s Maddox, Blitz, and Vinnie, along with their handlers, joined our security team to screen our retail store and warehouse. This partnership is a win-win: the K-9s get valuable training in a real-world environment to keep their skills sharp, and we get an expert 'all-clear' to ensure our space remains safe for associates and customers. Going forward, these teams will be training in our buildings regularly as part of our commitment to safety."
According to a Facebook post shared by IPD, the department was contacted by Cargo Largo security on the morning of March 21 regarding a "suspicious powder substance" located in the packaging of a Barbie doll.
Upon further investigation, IPD determined that five compromised dolls were sold and all were located within the same day. As of March 23, the department could not comment on the amount of fentanyl recovered, as IPD Officer Bryan Conley told USA TODAY.
IPD is investigating the origin of the shipment, Conley said, as Cargo Largo's business model is to buy damaged and abandoned freight.
Cargo Largo said it was fully cooperating with IPD and, due to the investigation, could not comment further. IPD said there is no reason to believe compromised units were sent to other retailers, and no injuries have been reported. As a preventative measure, IPD K-9 units conducted a full facility sweep of Cargo Largo, including both the retail store and the warehouse facility, KMBC reported.
Store officials said no risks were identified, and going forward, regular inspections will be scheduled to maintain a safe environment.
The store posted again, thanking the Independence Police Department and adding, "Last night, K-9s Maddox, Blitz, and Vinnie, along with their handlers, joined our security team to screen our retail store and warehouse. This partnership is a win-win: the K-9s get valuable training in a real-world environment to keep their skills sharp, and we get an expert 'all-clear' to ensure our space remains safe for associates and customers. Going forward, these teams will be training in our buildings regularly as part of our commitment to safety."
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