Police propose to "test" methamphetamine for Zika in a viral message on Facebook

HARAHAN, The. –

An ironic offer from a Louisiana police department to test drug addicts methamphetamine for the Zika virus is poised to become viral.

>> On WSBTV.com: Worried about Zika in your meth? The police service will check it for you

The Harahan Police Department made it to Facebook on Saturday to warn locals that methamphetamine purchased in Louisiana "could be contaminated with the Zika virus."

"Please, bring all this to your local police department and they will test it for free," the post said. "If you do not feel comfortable coming to us, an agent will be happy to test it and test your Meth in the privacy of your home. spread the word! We are available 24/7/365. Be safe! "

The post has quickly become viral, accumulating more than 5,300 shares and 3,200 "I like" Monday morning.

Until now, no one has bit on the hook, said Harahan Police Chief Tim Walker, at New Orleans Lawyer.

Walker added that methamphetamine can not really be contaminated by Zika, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause birth defects. The officer behind the station, Keith Moody, was just trying to spotlight the drug epidemic, Walker said.

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"There is an opioid and methamphetamine problem," Walker told the lawyer. "It's everywhere in the country."

The ministry echoed this sentiment in an article published Sunday on Facebook.

"Ladies and gentlemen, the drug epidemic is real … Pray for 2019 brings solutions to a true national epidemic," reads one. "We will continue to aggressively enforce drug laws and collaborate with other agencies to fight illegal businesses that literally kill more than 100 people every day with illicit drugs." Contact your family's services / Clergy / Social If you are an addict want help, HPD wishes you a Happy New Year 2006! "

The Harahan police is not the first to try to deceive naive criminals by offering them a bogus test of Zika. Since 2016, the police departments of Ohio, Michigan and South Carolina have used similar tricks.

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