Meth-laced lollies given to Auckland City Mission: Live updates as police provide inquiry update
- Lollies donated to Auckland City Mission containing methamphetamine were sent out in food parcels.
- 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.”
Eight officers were working on the case.
“It’s vital the public are aware of these lollies and the danger they present,” Baldwin said.
The investigation would focus on how the lollies had been circulated, how many were in the community, and from where they had originated.
Police would likely work with Interpol and Customs.
At least three people needed medical attention after eating one of the lollies, but no one remained in hospital.
“Police were also aware of two young people who were taken to hospital after tasting the lolly and spitting it out,” Baldwin said.
“The lollies that they found yesterday afternoon were tested, and they were all meth. I’m satisfied at this stage it’s 100% meth.”
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Baldwin said the public could be assured police were treating this matter “extremely seriously”.
Since yesterday, police have been contacted by several people who have had the lollies.
A further six lollies were found in Ōtāhuhu, Baldwin said.
He thanked the Auckland City Mission for its cooperation and said the charity had done nothing wrong.
Baldwin said police had not yet contacted Rinda, the brand on the packet the lollies were contained in.
“We have recovered 16 [lollies] so far.”
He said anyone concerned they had eaten one of these lollies should seek medical attention immediately.
“We have seen methamphetamine hidden in food products. This sort of importation method is extremely dangerous.”
Baldwin referenced a case he worked on last year, where Auckland man Aiden Sagala died after drinking a can of Honey Bear House Beer laced with meth.
“We have seen it before [food being laced with meth] and it is deeply worrying.
“It’s horrible stuff. The sooner we have these lollies, that is our priority.”
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 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.
“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.”
Helm said symptoms may include chest pain, a racing heart, seizures, hypothermia, delirium and loss of consciousness.
The Drug Foundation had notified High Alert, which is part of the National Drug Intelligence Bureau, responsible for drug harm notifications.
Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.