Authorities are warning lollies containing "potentially lethal" levels of methamphetamine were donated to the Auckland City Mission and distributed in food parcels.
One lolly tested this afternoon was found to effectively contain as much as 300 "common" doses of methamphetamine - an "extremely dangerous" amount.
The Rinda-branded pineapple lollies may have been distributed to recipients over the past several weeks, according to police.
People who recieved the food parcel lollies, and still have them, are urged to call 111.
"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," a spokesperson said in a media release.
"Our initial enquiries have established that the food items concerned may have been distributed to food parcel recipients over the last several weeks. An investigation is underway and police are treating the matter as a priority given the risk to the public."
The suspect lollies were originally donated by an unknown member of the public in a sealed retail-sized bag, according to the Auckland City Mission.
A spokesperson said the charity received an alert of concern this afternoon after a food parcel recipient said they had eaten some "funny-tasting lollies".
"As a measure of safety, lollies still on site were tested by the New Zealand Drug Foundation," they said.
Drug Foundation executive director Sarah Helm said that the lolly wrapped in the brand's packaging contained approximately 3g of methamphetamine.
"A common dose to swallow is between 10-25mg, so this contaminated lolly contained up to 300 doses. Swallowing that much methamphetamine is extremely dangerous and could result in death."
People who had started to consume the lolly reported a bitter taste and feeling unusual, according to the Drug Foundation.
The city mission is currently contacting the possible recipients of the lollies to inform them of the issue and guide them on what to do next.
"Public safety is our key concern. We have been working in partnership with NZ Drug Foundation and NZ Police to respond to this deeply concerning incident."
Auckland City Mission said it only accepts commercially manufactured food for inclusion in food parcels, and the lollies "appeared as such when donated".
Chief executive Helen Robinson said: "I am absolutely devastated at this 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 issue has been reported to the police, who are investigating."
Helm said that because it was unknown how widespread the contaminated lollies were, "we recommend not eating any Rinda brand pineapple lollies if you have them".
"If you or someone you know has eaten one and feels unwell, call 111 immediately."
Symptoms can include chest pain, a racing heart, seizures, hyperthermia, delirium, and a loss of consciousness. High Alert – part of the National Drug Intelligence Bureau responsible for drug harm notifications – has also been alerted.
People contacting 111 are urged to quote file number 240813/5919.
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