Police are expecting to account for at least 65 Rinda-branded lollies laced with methamphetamine after receiving new information that a further five families had received the lollies.
Blocks of methamphetamine — wrapped and labelled as pineapple lollies — were unknowingly handed out in Auckland City Mission food parcels which was discovered this week, prompting some to seek medical attention after tasting the lollies.
The drug was discovered early on Tuesday afternoon when someone who received a parcel from the Mission said the lolly tasted funny.
An investigation was launched, and 33 lollies have been recovered by police to date — while 41 lollies have been accounted for.
Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said this afternoon police were following up on additional information it had received and expected the figure of lollies accounted for to reach "at least 65".
"The information is that this amounts to a further 24 meth lollies, and police are in the process of following up with these families."
Inquiries were ongoing into new information that a further five families had also received lollies.
"We are still working to understand how many lollies they received, but initial enquiries suggest they received three on average," Baldwin said.
He said the figure took into account lollies recovered by police, along with information from affected families who disposed of lollies themselves.
"Police are still working to understand how many bags may have been donated to the Auckland City Mission, and we acknowledge their ongoing assistance," he said.
Police remain open minded about the actual number that could be within the community.
Anyone who had recieved one of the Rinda branded items could contact police on 105 or 111. Those concerned they may have ingested one of these lollies should go to the nearest healthcare provider urgently or call the national poison line on 0800 764 766.
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