Shaken out of their paper sleeves, the tiny colored rocks make a short journey to the mouth, where they sizzle and crackle on the tongue, filling the nose and senses with their flavor and sound.

Most people experienced Pop Rocks sometime in their childhood, but several reports show that a dangerous substance — called strawberry quick (meth) — can be made to mimic the taste and appearance of this candy, resulting in a lifetime of addiction.

Although not a candy to be eaten in volume, the original tingly, crackly little rocks are something everyone should experience once — even it it’s just to say you did. Colored meth, however, is a substance of increasingly grave concern for law enforcement and communities. The red substance was first discovered in Carson City, Nev., in January 2007 in a drug bust at a gang member’s home. Since then, the scary, innocent-looking drug has been found in Missouri, Texas, Washington state and Wisconsin, according to Steve Robertson, a Drug Enforcement Agency spokesman, in a May 2 CBS report.

There is some debate about whether the meth is actually strawberry flavored or just red in color. A report on Snopes.com, a urban myth-busting Web site, outlines the various arguments but allows that there is cause for concern for children who are introduced to the crackling drugs through candy.

Whatever the drug actually looks or tastes like, parents need to be aware that drug dealers are becoming more innovative in their attempts to attract more customers. Used to be that only kidnappers and pedophiles offered candy to children. Now, drug dealers are getting in on the sleazy act.

Although there are no local reports on the substance so far, it would be a tragedy for one of this community’s children to be introduced to drugs when they think they are eating candy.

Warn your kids to only accept candy from adults they trust. It is sad that the innocence of bygone eras has disappeared — making all of us suspicious of the most innocuous actions and items — but it is a fact.

Don’t let your child’s sweet tooth lead him down the path of addiction to drugs.