Preschooler's case sparks warning on drugs storage

A 3-year-old Auckland boy rushed to hospital on Monday night after it was suspected he took the party drug Fantasy was in a stable condition yesterday.

The preschooler was critically ill when he arrived at the Starship around 9pm after unconfirmed reports that he had taken the drug Fantasy from his mother's purse.
Police and Child, Youth and Family staff are investigating.

Police spokeswoman Noreen Hegarty said tests were being carried out to determine what the child had taken.

If it was an illegal substance, someone might face charges.

Safekids director Ann Weaver said the case was a reminder about safely storing substances. Illegal drugs were not in containers with childproof caps, so people needed to be more careful.

"If you have to have them in the home, then at least store them safely."

Four months ago Pokeno toddler Joshua Ward, aged 22 months, was rushed to the Starship after he tried to eat dishwasher powder and suffered severe caustic burns to his mouth and throat.

As a result, he had to breathe and be fed through tubes and undergo major surgery.