Queensland adult stores raided over synthetic cannabis deaths

Synthetic cannabis product K2, which has been banned in New Zealand. Photo / Sarah Ivey

Four Queensland adult stores have been raided in an investigation into a batch of synthetic cannabis that claimed two lives.

Detectives searched businesses today in Mackay, Rockhampton, Bundaberg and Toowoomba that were believed to be selling the synthetic drug.

No arrests had been made but shop owners were being spoken to, a police spokesman told AAP.

The businesses were part of the same franchise.

Two men, aged 33 and 41, have died in central Queensland in the past two days from poisoning believed to be linked to synthetic cannabis.

The men did not know each another.

Mackay health authorities have warned of a recent increase in the number of hospital patients complaining of adverse effects associated with the synthetics.

The fatalities prompted police to warn that synthetic drugs, commonly bought over the internet, are covered under drugs misuse legislation.

Detective Acting Inspector Sam Bliss yesterday said the drug was not legal despite its availability over the internet and in suburban shops.

"The chemical compounds found in these drugs are dangerous and are not herbal or natural alternatives to 'real drugs'," he said.

"They contain synthetic compounds which are toxic and extremely dangerous."

Synthetic cannabis products have been banned in New Zealand, with the exception of products that have passed a strict safety testing regime, since last May.

- AAP