Gardai launch probe after pins discovered in Halloween sweets in Donegal

An Garda Síochána has opened an investigation after metal pins were found in confectionery handed out to children on Halloween night in the Twin Towns of Stranorlar and Ballybofey, County Donegal.

Two mothers reported the incidents: Savannah McDaid, a Stranorlar resident, discovered four small pins in four separate sweets, while Philippa Falls from Ballybofey said her son Joshua found a potentially fatal pin embedded in a chocolate bar.

McDaid’s three‑year‑old son, Arló, collected a large haul of treats in Srath Aoibhinn and Ard Greine. After a fridge magnet attracted the sweets, McDaid ripped them open and was shocked by the pins inside two chocolate bars and two chewy bars.

Falls’ son was trick‑or‑treating in the Blue Cedars, The Cedars and Glenwaters estates when he encountered the pin, which did not respond to a magnet. She warned Joshua not to eat any more sweets.

A Garda spokesperson confirmed the report was received for the incident on 31 October 2026 in the Ballybofey/Stranorlar area and said enquiries are ongoing, treating the matter seriously as the pins appear to have been deliberately placed.

Source: Donegal Daily. Photo: https://kaboompics.com/ / Pexels.