Waterloo Region police are investigating contents of suspicious "angel" gift packages filled with potentially dangerous pills and candy and are issuing an urgent appeal to local residents to contact authorities if they locate one of the mystery bags.

Police communications co-ordinator Cherri Greeno said investigators have received two reports within several days regarding suspicious packages found in Cambridge. The gift bags, decorated with angels on the side, are filled with small plastic bags of various pills, wrapped candy bars and "blessing" notes penned with words such as, "You are surrounded by angels."

"We encourage anyone who sees packages such as this to notify police immediately," she said. "There is obvious concerns that children could come across these packages and potentially consume the products inside, which could be very dangerous depending on what's in the packages."

Both bags were discovered by residents in the area of Grand Avenue, one located by the Grand River near the pedestrian bridge. One was found on Nov. 11, the other on Nov. 13. Greeno said the contents of the bags, which were turned into police by concerned residents, are being analyzed to identify the ingredients. Initial investigation found the gift bags contained a small quantity of marijuana, Advil, Fisherman's Friends lozenges, pills that appeared to be vitamins, and two suspected marijuana edibles. One of the bags contained a small amount of unknown white powder.

Warnings about the strange gift bags came to light on local Facebook groups early this week. One of the packages was reported to have been found by a teacher at the bottom of a lamp standard near the Cambridge pedestrian bridge along the Grand River. The bag came with a note reading, "Open me." The post said a chocolate bar, a small candle and an assortment of what appeared to be drugs were found inside. The bag was handed over to police.

Questions circulated as to whether the reports are part of a social media hoax. Police, however, aren't taking any chances.

"We are taking this seriously, and encourage anyone who comes across a package to call us immediately," insisted Greeno.

Reports to police can be made by calling 519-570-9777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.