UPDATED STORY:
11:08 AM, June 8, 2017
That powdery substance found in a toy from a taco shop vending machine has been identified a false positive for cocaine.
According to Bell Gardens police, "Further investigation has been conducted by detectives of the Bell Gardens Police Department on this case and it has been determined that the original testing performed on the substance revealed a 'false positive' test for cocaine."
Police have said the substance resembles baking soda or talcum powder and have assured the public, ""We are confident that it is not cocaine nor does it pose a health risk."
10News will continue to follow any updates to this developing story.
ORIGINAL STORY:
3:57 PM, June 7, 2017
BELL GARDENS, Calif. (KGTV)--A mother and young son who bought a toy from a taco shop vending machine Monday received a plastic ball full of cocaine, according to police in Bell Gardens.
The boy was playing with the putty ball toy when it ruptured and a white powdery substance came out, officers said. The child's mother called the police, who said the powder tested positive for cocaine.
Police said the plastic toy was about one inch in diameter and was located inside a 25-cent vending machine at Taqueria Los Altos at 6939 Eastern Ave.
The vending machine had the phone number of a company called Snack Time Vending on its side, according to the Bell Gardens Police Facebook page. Officers are encouraging businesses to contact them immediately and remove the vending machines from public access.
