New Zealand Charity Apologises For Handing Out 'Lethal' Meth-Laced Candy
Date
8/14/2024 3:43:29 PM
(MENAFN- Khaleej Times)
Published: Wed 14 Aug 2024, 12:04 PM
Last updated: Wed 14 Aug 2024, 1:28 PM
A New Zealand charity apologised on Wednesday for distributing dozens of pineapple-flavoured candies that were found to be laced with potentially lethal amounts of methamphetamine.
The Auckland City Mission, that donates parcels of essentials to New Zealanders who cannot afford food, said it first became aware of the issue on Tuesday afternoon when some recipients complained about the foul-tasting candies.
Three people - a child, a teenager and a charity worker - sought medical treatment after tasting the boiled sweets, though none are currently in hospital, Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin from Auckland police told reporters.
There was no suggestion of wrongdoing by the charity, he added.
"To say we are devastated is an understatement," the Mission said in a statement.
The candy, which was donated by an unknown member of the public, was tested by the New Zealand Drug Foundation charity, which found they contained a potentially lethal 3 grams (0.1 oz) of methamphetamine.
"A common dose to swallow is between 10-25mg, so this contaminated lolly contained up to 300 doses," said foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm.
Police believed the candies were the byproduct of an international drug trafficking operation and have called for them to be handed them over to the authorities. They are also investigating how the candies entered the country, Baldwin said.
ALSO READ:
People leave New Zealand in record numbers as economy bites
New Zealand PM calls on Indian President Murmu; discusses regional and global security
MENAFN14082024000049011007ID1108555988
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.