Suspicious purchases of candy at Costco stores in New Jersey after 9/11-Truth!

Suspicious Purchases of Candy at Costco Stores in New Jersey-Truth!

Summary of eRumor:
There are various reports, but they all center on large purchases of candy at multiple Costco stores in New Jersey. The person who buys the candy is allegedly of Middle-Eastern descent and is reported to Costco authorities by a suspicious cashier.

The Truth:
The FBI is investigating the story and, as a result, has placed a man in custody, but not because of any problems associated with the candy. Sandra Carroll, a spokesperson for the FBI's Newark office says the man is being held on immigration law violations and that so far, there does not appear to be anything to be alarmed about regarding the candy. She says the candy has been found and that the FBI does not have any evidence that the man is a terrorist or bought the candy for any other than legitimate purposes. It has not been revealed what the nationality of the man is.

The story came to light when the man allegedly made cash purchases of candy from Costco stores in Hackensack and Wayne. They totaled $15,000.

The concern, of course, is the safety of Halloween candy.

Costco officials said large candy purchases are not unusual and the authorities caution that there is no reason to believe that these purchases had anything to do with harming children.

10/22/01

A real example of the story as it has been circulated:

Last week a gentleman of middle eastern descent opened up an account at the Hackensack Costco and purchased close to $7,000 worth of candy.

I guess this was not particularly alarming because many small business purchase large amounts of items at Costco.

What became alarming this same person (or someone using this person's card) purchased close to $15,000 worth of addition CANDY 2 days ago at the Wayne Costco. The cashier became alarmed at this large purchase of candy and more so when the person paid cash. I'm told she was fearful and did not alert anyone in the store until after the person left and then it was reported to authorities.

I pass this along in case your children or grandchildren go trick or treating. I do not know the intentions of the person who purchased all this candy, but in today's time I do not think it is crazy to be overly cautious. The possibility of this candy being tainted and resold to unknowing discount distributors and then passed on to unknowing consumers is too great.