One person has died, and three others remain in hospital after five suspected fantasy overdoses across Wellington yesterday.
It's prompted police to warn the public not to consume the substance.
The incidents occurred across the district, spanning Miramar, Brooklyn, Johnsonville and Upper Hutt. A fifth person was treated and discharged from medical care.
Inspector Wade Jennings said an investigation was underway and police were treating the matter as a "priority", given the risk to the public.
"Individuals are believed to have overdosed on a substance that is thought to be GHB, commonly known as fantasy or liquid ecstasy," he said.
"Police are urging the public to exercise caution, and anyone who may have this type of substance are urged not to consume it."
GHB — commonly known as fantasy or liquid ecstasy — is a central nervous system depressant that produces euphoric, relaxing effects, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. It presents as a clear, oily liquid and is typically mixed with water or soft drinks.
It is particularly dangerous because the difference between the desired effect and a fatal overdose can be a matter of millilitres, and potency can vary significantly between batches.
The risk increases when users re-dose too soon or mix the substance with alcohol or other depressants.
Drug harm reduction service High Alert said it had been tracking an increasing trend of GHB overdoses across New Zealand, with a particular concentration of emergency department presentations in the Wellington region.
Anyone feeling unwell after taking a substance is urged to go to their nearest healthcare provider urgently.
SHARE ME