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Sixth suspected fantasy overdose in Wellington region

4:10pm

A sixth person is in hospital following a suspected fantasy overdose in the Wellington region. (Source: istock.com)

A sixth person is in hospital from a suspected fantasy overdose in the Wellington region, as police reissue a plea for caution.

Last Friday, one person died and three others were in hospital following five suspected overdoses of the drug – also known as GHB or liquid ecstasy – across the capital.

The incidents occurred across the district, spanning Miramar, Brooklyn, Johnsonville and Upper Hutt. A fifth person was treated and discharged from medical care.

Detective Inspector Anna Grant today said a sixth suspected overdose had been detected in Wainuiomata overnight.

"The person is in a serious condition and remains in hospital today," Grant said.

It brings the total number of suspected overdoses to six since last Friday.

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.

Grant said police were continuing to investigate the matter "as a priority given the risk to the public".

"This includes working to identify if the cases are connected, and find out where the supply has originated."

Police strongly urged the public to "take extreme caution around drugs of this type".

"While it’s safest not to use drugs at all, New Zealand’s drug early warning system High Alert recommends, at the very least, getting substances checked before taking them."

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