At least three people have so far needed medical attention after lollies confirmed to have been laced with methamphetamine were donated to the Auckland City Mission.
The NZ Drug Foundation tested the lollies, which had “potentially lethal levels” of meth.
A police investigation is under way, and at least three people have been treated after eating the lollies.
At least three people have so far needed medical attention after lollies confirmed to have been laced with methamphetamine were donated to the Auckland City Mission and distributed in food parcels.
A police investigation is under way and several people, including a pensioner, have already contacted authorities.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said police were first notified yesterday afternoon. Forensic testing of one lolly was completed and it was confirmed to be laced with meth.
“Our investigation is in its infancy and things are still unfolding.”
Auckland City Mission chief executive Helen Robinson joined by Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin and Ben Birks Ang from the NZ Drug Foundation at the Auckland City Mission. Photo / Corey Fleming
Earlier, Auckland City Mission’s chief executive fronted media this morning to provide an update on the lollies containing lethal levels of methamphetamine handed out in food parcels.
Chief executive Helen Robinson says eight families have been affected by the lollies but they remain healthy. The Drug Foundation’s Ben Birks Ang says each lolly would contain about $1000 worth of meth and they believe the distribution is a drug smuggling operation gone wrong.
It was revealed yesterday that the Rinda brand pineapple lollies were donated by an unknown member of the public and circulated in food parcels.
In a statement, the Mission said it received an “alert of concern” yesterday 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 the Drug Foundation. Tests confirmed they contained potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine”.
“We are in the process of contacting possible recipients to inform them of the issue and give them guidance on the next steps. Public safety is our key concern.”
Robinson said staff members tried the lollies after hearing they “tasted bad” and began to “feel funny” afterwards. It was then that the Drug Foundation was called.
She said it was still unclear when the package was delivered. Her staff members were provided with medical support.
The lollies “probably” came into the Mission’s possession about mid-July, but they were calling everyone as far back as July 1 for safety, Robinson said. It could be an issue across the city, and she had contacted other charities recommending they check any lollies.
The Mission had been working with the Drug Foundation and police in response to the “deeply concerning incident”.
The lollies found to contain methamphetamine.
“The Mission only accepts commercially manufactured food for inclusion in food parcels and the lollies appeared as such when donated.”
A St John spokesperson said they were not aware of any of their Auckland crews attending any incidents related to the lollies.
“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.”
Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said the white lolly was brought into a checking clinic on Tuesday afternoon.
It contained about 3g of methamphetamine.
The NZ Drug Foundation is warning people not to consume Rinda brand pineapple lollies.
“A common dose to swallow is between 10-25mg, so this contaminated lolly contained up to 300 doses,” Helm said.
“Swallowing that much methamphetamine is extremely dangerous and could result in death.”
“We don’t know how widespread these contaminated lollies are, so we recommend not eating any Rinda brand pineapple lollies if you have them.”
