New Zealand Police Investigate Methamphetamine Incident Involving Charity
The police in New Zealand are currently engaged in efforts to recover substantial amounts of methamphetamine that were inadvertently distributed by a local charity, which mistook the drug for candy. This alarming situation unfolded when the Auckland City Mission, a well-known charity organization, distributed what appeared to be individually wrapped, pineapple-flavored boiled sweets from the Malaysian confectionery brand Rinda.
According to Helen Robinson, the charity’s chief executive, these deceptive treats were donated by a well-meaning member of the public. However, upon closer inspection, it was revealed that these seemingly innocent candies were actually small blocks of methamphetamine, each weighing approximately three grams (0.1 ounce). The New Zealand Drug Foundation’s deputy executive director, Ben Birks Ang, explained that each block contained enough methamphetamine for up to 300 doses, posing a significant health risk and potentially lethal quantity.
After tasting the counterfeit candies, three individuals—a charity worker, a child, and a teenager—sought medical attention. Fortunately, they were all discharged after receiving care, as confirmed by the Auckland City District Police. At least eight families reported having tasted the fake candies, highlighting the widespread nature of the incident. Ms. Robinson noted that the candies were so unpleasant in taste that those who sampled them quickly spat them out, which helped to minimize any adverse effects.
Despite this fortunate outcome, health experts warn that even a small touch or lick of these high-dosage candies could lead to dangerous consequences. The New Zealand Drug Foundation has outlined several potential symptoms associated with the ingestion of these fake sweets, which include:
- Chest pains
- Seizures
- Hyperthermia
- Delirium
- Loss of consciousness
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging anyone who may have come into contact with these substances to seek medical advice immediately, emphasizing the importance of public safety in this unusual and dangerous incident.
