A food bank unknowingly handed out meth-laced candy in New Zealand.
The small “pineapple-flavored” candies were distributed by the Auckland City Mission, which had unwittingly received a large package of methamphetamine in mid-July, the BBC reported.
No deaths were reported in the mix-up, though New Zealand drug authorities said each candy contained 3 grams of meth — about 300 times the common dose.
“Swallowing that much methamphetamine is extremely dangerous and could result in death,” New Zealand Drug Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm said.
Three people, including a child, were hospitalized but had been released by Wednesday afternoon, according to police officer Glenn Baldwin.
The food bank realized the problem on Tuesday when people who had no need for speed began calling to report “funny tasting” candy. A few staffers tested the candies themselves and confirmed they tasted odd.
Auckland City Mission then sent the candies to national drug testers, who confirmed that the treats, wrapped with the label of Malaysian brand Rinda, contained methamphetamine, not pineapple. The candies were delivered fully wrapped in an apparent retail bag, according to the Auckland City Mission, in line with the organization’s requirements.
Each candy would’ve had a street value of around $600, according to authorities. Because of the candy’s value, investigators believe the meth donation was an accident, not a scheme to target people receiving food assistance.
Authorities tracked down 16 packets, each containing 20-30 candies, but they don’t know how many were distributed, according to the BBC. Auckland City Mission said it was working to contact at least 400 people who received food, dating back to July 1.
Cops said drugs are often smuggled into New Zealand disguised as food products. Rinda General Manager Steven Teh said his company “does not use or condone the use of any illegal drugs in our products.”
With News Wire Services
