The Auckland City Mission has discovered lollies donated by an unknown member of the public contain potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine. Photos / NZ Drug Foundation / Auckland City Mission
The Auckland City Mission has discovered lollies donated by an unknown member of the public contain potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine. Photos / NZ Drug Foundation / Auckland City Mission
Auckland City Mission discovered donated lollies sent out in food parcels contained methamphetamine.
The NZ Drug Foundation tested the lollies which had “potentially lethal levels” of meth.
Missioner Helen Robinson urged recipients to call 111 and seek urgent medical help if unwell.
The Rinda brand pineapple lollies were in sealed, retail-sized packages, and sent out in food parcels.
In a statement tonight, the Auckland City Mission said it received an “alert of concern” this afternoon from a food parcel recipient who said they had “funny tasting” lollies.
“As a measure of safety, lollies still on site were tested by NZ Drug Foundation. Tests confirmed that the lollies tested contained potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine,” the statement read.
“We are in the process of contacting possible recipients to inform them of the issue and give them guidance on next steps. Public safety is our key concern.”
Auckland City Mission said it had been working with the NZ Drug Foundation and New Zealand Police in response to the “deeply concerning incident”.
The Rinda brand pineapple lollies were in sealed, retail-sized packages and then sent out in food parcels. Photo / Auckland City Mission
The Auckland City Mission, says it only accepts commercially manufactured food for inclusion in food parcels. Photo / Mark Smith
“The Mission only accepts commercially manufactured food for inclusion in food parcels and the lollies appeared as such when donated.”
Auckland City Mission CEO Helen Robinson said she was “absolutely devastated” at the turn of events.
“If you are concerned you might have received a lolly, please call 111 and if you are feeling unwell, go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently. You can also call the national poison line on 0800 764 766.”
The Auckland City Mission is holding a stand-up with a representative of the NZ Drug Foundation tomorrow.
NZ Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said the white lolly was brought into a checking clinic on Tuesday afternoon.
She said the it contained approximately 3g of methamphetamine.
“A common dose to swallow is between 10-25mg, so this contaminated lolly contained up to 300 doses,” Helm said.
The Rinda brand pineapple lollies were in sealed, retail-sized packages and then sent out in food parcels. Photo / NZ Drug Foundation
A white lolly tested by the NZ Drug Foundation contained approximately 3g of methamphetamine - up to 300 doses. Photo / NZ Drug Foundation
”Swallowing that much methamphetamine is extremely dangerous and could result in death.”
Helm said people who had started to consume the lolly reported a bitter taste and were feeling unusual.
“We don’t know how widespread these contaminated lollies are, so we recommend not eating any Rinda brand pineapple lollies if you have them.”
Helm said symptoms may include chest pain, a racing heart, seizures, hypothermia, delirium and loss of consciousness.
The NZ Drug Foundation had notified High Alert, which is part of the National Drug Intelligence Bureau, responsible for drug harm notifications.
A police spokesperson confirmed an investigation is underway and they were treating the matter as a priority, given the risk to the public.
“Police are urging anyone who has received the Rinda brand pineapple lollies in a food parcel to not consume the lollies and to secure them out of reach of anyone in the household.
“If you do have these lollies in your household, please call Police on 111 so we can retrieve them. Please quote file number 240813/5919.
“If you are concerned you may have consumed one of these lollies and are feeling unwell, go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently. You can also call the national poison line on 0800 764 766.”
Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.
