New Zealand Charity Agency Apologizes For Distributing Candy Containing Methamphetamine

UNSPLASH/Vinicius "amnx" ILLUSTRATION Amano

JAKARTA - The New Zealand charity apologized for distributing dozens of pineapple flavored candy found containing methamphetamine (shabu).

Reported by Reuters, Auckland City Mission, which donated basic necessities to New Zealanders, said it was first aware of the issue on Tuesday, August 13 afternoon, when some recipients complained about the unpleasant taste of candy.

Three people including one child received medical treatment after tasting the candy. Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin said that currently no one has been hospitalized.

Auckland police confirmed that there was no indication of any wrongdoing by the charity.

The candy donated by the unbroken community was then tested by the New Zealand Drug Foundation charity. As a result, the candy contains 3 grams (0.1 oz) of metamphetamine (shabu) which has the potential to be deadly.

"The common dose to swallow is between 10-25mg, so this contaminated candy contains up to 300 doses," said Foundation Executive Director Sarah Helm, Wednesday, August 14.

The police believe the candy is a by-product of international drug smuggling operations. The police requested that the candy be handed over to the authorities.

Authorities are also investigating how the candy got into the country.