The number of July deaths blamed on a deadly batch of synthetic cannabis has risen to 10, as the drug continues to cause carnage in Auckland.
The body of 47-year-old man was discovered in a central city hostel on July 28. Acting Auckland Central Police Area Commander Matthew Srhoj said a possible synthetic cannabis link was being investigated.
Nine other people died in July as a suspected result of smoking synthetics, which are made from plant material sprayed with chemicals that mimic natural cannabinoids. But police said there was anecdotal evidence new batches of synthetics may contain weedkiller, fly spray or even rat poison.
The Chief Coroner says agencies are working hard to identify the chemicals responsible for the spate of deaths and hospitalisations, most of which happened in Auckland.
Coroner, Judge Deborah Marshall, said an Auckland coroner raised the alarm on July 20 after seeing a number of synthetic-related deaths that week. St John's medical director also contacted her to raise concerns about how many people were being taken to hospital under the influence of synthetics.