What should have been a simple toy purchase turned into a terrifying discovery after fentanyl was found hidden inside the packaging of Barbie dolls sold at a Missouri discount store.

Police in Independence say the dangerous substance was discovered after a mother opened a doll purchased for her children and noticed a suspicious powder inside the packaging. The finding prompted an immediate investigation—and a race to track down how many units may have been affected.

According to the Independence Police Department, fentanyl had been taped inside the back packaging of the dolls. Authorities ultimately identified five compromised units that had been sold between March 19 and 20 at the Cargo Largo discount store.

All five dolls have since been recovered, and police confirmed that the toys themselves were not contaminated. No injuries or overdoses have been reported.

The discovery began when Jade Adams’ husband opened one of the dolls using a knife, causing a powdery substance to disperse.

“It was like, poof, in the car,” Adams said. “We were like, ‘What is that?’”

Alarmed, Adams’ family returned to the store and urged staff to inspect the remaining inventory. Employees reportedly filled a cart with similar dolls and brought them to security, triggering the broader investigation.

Police worked with the store to trace the affected products and confirmed that the compromised items were limited to those already recovered. Authorities also stated they do not believe any additional units were distributed to other retailers.

A suspect has since been taken into custody in connection with the incident, though their identity has not yet been released.

For Adams, the reality of what could have happened is still sinking in.

“They could have dusted that all over themselves,” she said of her children. “Their house, wherever they opened it… that’s terrifying.”

Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid, can be deadly even in small amounts, making the discovery particularly alarming in a product intended for children.

The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to determine how the substance ended up inside the toy packaging—and whether anyone else may be connected.