Cops warn eating cakes containing poppy seeds can get you high (then arrested)

So apparently the cops will rain hell down on you if they catch you … eating the wrong kind of dessert?

The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM) has warned the public against eating cakes containing poppy seeds, which, despite being a trendy new ingredient for local delicacies, is still classified as a narcotic substance.

Kuala Lumpur Narcotics Criminal Investigation Department chief SAC Wan Abdullah Ishak told Bernama that individuals who have consumed large amounts of poppy seeds run the risk of testing positive for drugs.

“If they are subjected to a urine test and found positive for drugs, they will be detained,” he said.

“They can be charged under Section 15(1) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952, which carries a maximum two years’ jail or RM5,000 fine, for taking drugs.”

Police have also found that certain poppy seed cakes being sold in KL contain trace amounts of morphine, which is extracted from poppy seeds.

“We found that ‘Lemon poppy seed cakes’ were sold openly for RM13 a piece,” said Wan Abdullah.

He added that consumers who eat large portions of the cakes would experience a morphine-induced high or a feeling of euphoria.

The PDRM will be carrying out further tests at the Malaysian Chemistry Department to confirm the presence of narcotic substances in the cakes.

Despite bing illegal in Malaysia, poppy seeds are a popular ingredient for dishes originating from Europe, the Middle East, and India.

In the meantime, try not to succumb to temptation and order that particular lemon poppy seed cake. Or, if you simply must have it for dessert, try not to eat six slices in one go. Because gross.



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