A seven-year-old girl who lifted a bag of suspected drugs in Mossley, Newtownabbey, took the contents out of their packaging before her mother intervened.
Police say the child could easily have ingested the contents after picking up the packet outside her home in Plantation Avenue.
“Thankfully her mother had the presence of mind to take swift action and prevent her little girl ingesting it. Just take a second to think of the potential and utter devastation had she done so,” said a police spokesperson.
Police are asking people to come forward if they have any information in relation to drugs in communities.
“Let’s do everything we can to protect our communities. Particularly the most vulnerable and precious. Kids shouldn’t be exposed to this and it’s outrageous and tragic that they can’t play outside their own home without the likes of this happening.
“With your help we can make a difference. We need your support to make your neighbourhoods a safer and more peaceful place to live,” added the spokesperson.
“If you have any information regarding drugs please tell us. You can contact us on 101 or alternatively call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. They are an independent charity and calls are not recorded, there is no caller ID and callers will not be asked for their name.”