• - Auckland City Mission discovered donated lollies sent out in food parcels contained methamphetamine.
• - The NZ Drug Foundation tested the lollies which had “potentially lethal levels” of meth.
• - Missioner Helen Robinson urged recipients to call 111 and seek urgent medical help if unwell.

The Auckland City Mission has discovered lollies donated by an unknown member of the public contain potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine.

The Rinda brand pineapple lollies were in a sealed retail-sized package, and sent out in food parcels.

In a statement tonight, the Auckland City Mission said it received an “alert of concern” this afternoon by a food parcel recipient who said they had “funny tasting” lollies.

“As a measure of safety, lollies still on site were tested by NZ Drug Foundation. Tests confirmed that the lollies tested contained potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine,” the statement read.

“We are in the process of contacting possible recipients to inform them of the issue and give them guidance on next steps. Public safety is our key concern.”

Auckland City Mission said it had been working with the NZ Drug Foundation and New Zealand Police in response to the “deeply concerning incident”.

The Rinda brand pineapple lollies were in a sealed retail sized package that were then sent out in food parcels. Photo / Auckland City Mission

“The Mission only accepts commercially manufactured food for inclusion in food parcels and the lollies appeared as such when donated.”

Auckland City Mission CEO Helen Robinson said she was “absolutely devastated” at the turn of events.

“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.”

The Auckland City Mission are holding a stand-up with a representative of the NZ Drug Foundation tomorrow.

NZ Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said the white lolly was brought into a checking clinic on Tuesday afternoon.

She said the lolly contained approximately 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.”

Helm said people who had started to consume the lolly reported a bitter taste and were feeling unusual.

“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 Herald has approached police for comment.

Benjamin Plummer is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. He has worked for the Herald since 2022.