• - 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 then distributed out in food parcels.

Police say an investigation is under way and a number of people of people, including a pensioner, have already contacted authorities.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin says police were first notified yesterday afternoon. Forensic testing of one lolly was completed and it was confirmed it to be laced with meth.

“Our investigation is in its infancy and things are still unfolding,” Baldwin said.

Baldwin said there were eight police investigators working on the case.

“It’s vital the public are aware of these lollies and the danger they present,” he said.

The investigation would focus on how the lollies had been circulated, how many were in the community, and from where they had originated.

Baldwin said police would likely work with Interpol and Customs.

At least three people needed medical attention after eating one of the lollies, he said. No one remained in hospital.

“Police are also aware of two young people who have been taken to hospital after tasting the lolly and spitting it out,” Baldwin said.

“I again want to stress that this is a developing situation.

“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 can be assured that police are treating this matter “extremely seriously”.

Since yesterday, police have been contacted by a number of people who have been in possession of these lollies.

A further six lollies have found in Ōtāhuhu, Baldwin said.

Baldwin thanked the Auckland City Mission for its cooperation and the charity had done nothing wrong.

He said anyone concerned they had eaten one of these lollies to seek medical attention immediately.

Baldwin said police had not yet contacted Rinda, the brand on the packet the lollies were found in.

“We have recovered 16 [packets] so far,” he said.

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,” Baldwin said.

“It’s horrible stuff.

“The sooner we have these lollies, that is our priority.”

Auckland City Mission chief executive Helen Robinson joined by Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin and Ben Birks Ang from the NZ Drug Foundation at the Auckland City Mission. Photo / Corey Fleming

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 cost about $1000 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 Auckland City 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 the lollies 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 agreed with those complaints and also 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 City Mission’s possession about mid-July, but they are 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.

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

The lollies found to contain methamphetamine.

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

A spokesperson from Hato Hone St John said they were not aware of any of their Auckland crews attending any incidents related to the lollies.

A police spokesperson told the Herald this morning they were working with the Auckland City Mission and would provide updates when they “come to hand”.

Yesterday, 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.”

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.

The NZ Drug Foundation is warning people not to consume Rinda brand pineapple lollies.

“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.”

People who started to consume the lolly reported a bitter taste and were feeling unusual, she said.

“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.

A police spokesperson confirmed an investigation was under way and they were treating the matter as a priority, given the risk to the public.

“Police are urging anyone who has received the Rinda brand pineapple lollies in a food parcel to not consume the lollies and to secure them out of reach of anyone in the household.

“If you do have these lollies in your household, please call police on 111 so we can retrieve them. Please quote file number 240813/5919.

“If you are concerned you may have consumed one of these lollies and are feeling unwell, go to your nearest healthcare provider urgently. You can also call the national poison line on 0800 764 766.”

Rachel Maher is an Auckland-based reporter who covers breaking news. She has worked for the Herald since 2022.