Overview

• An officer used a consumer photo-editing app to insert a department patch, unintentionally altering package labels, product text and scale branding in the seized-drugs image.
• AI-literate Facebook users quickly identified errors such as missing items, indecipherable labels and inconsistent powder levels and raised concerns.
• The department initially denied any AI involvement and defended the image’s authenticity before deleting both the original and follow-up posts.
• On July 2 the police issued a formal apology and opened their evidence room so media can confirm that the unedited photo accurately reflects the seized fentanyl and methamphetamine.
• Officials said the incident will inform new review protocols for AI tools in public-facing communications.