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Local Stories, Broad Impact

Tue. Sep 10th, 2024
Nprime

Meth candy distributed by New Zealand charity: Apology issued

By Matthew. Jr
Meth candy distributed by New Zealand charity: Apology issued

A New Zealand charity apologized Wednesday for giving out dozens of pineapple-flavored candies that were found to be laced with potentially lethal amounts of methamphetamine.

The Auckland City Mission, which donates essential food parcels to New Zealanders who can’t afford food, said it became aware of the problem on Tuesday afternoon when some recipients complained about the bad-tasting candies.

Three people – a child, a teenager and a charity worker – required medical treatment after tasting the boiled sweets, although none are currently in hospital, Auckland police Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin 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.

Armed police stand guard near a construction site following a shooting in the central business district in Auckland, New Zealand, July 20, 2023. (Credit: REUTERS/David Rowland)

The candies, which were donated by an unknown member of the public, were tested by the New Zealand Drug Foundation, which found they contained 3 grams (0.1 oz) of potentially lethal methamphetamine.

Lethal dosage

“A typical swallowed dose is between 10-25mg, so this contaminated lollipop contained up to 300 doses,” said the foundation’s executive director, Sarah Helm.

Police believed the candies were the result of an international drug-trafficking operation and demanded they be handed over to the authorities. They are also investigating how the candy got into the country, Baldwin said.



By Matthew. Jr

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