Three people were hospitalised in the Wairarapa over the weekend after ingesting an unknown substance which they believed to be cocaine but was likely an opioid.
Wellington crime services manager Detective Inspector John van den Heuvel said police were notified after paramedics responded to a residential address in Tinui after the three people became ill after taking an illicit substance.
Police believed the unknown substance was likely an opioid.
“They received treatment and were expected to make a full recovery,” he said.
He said the property was searched and cannabis and a firearm were seized.
“A man has appeared in court today in relation to these matters,” he said.
Van den Heuval said police were working to establish the source of the illicit substance, and prevent any further harm to the community.
Inter-agency group DIANZ has released more information on the incident, as well as advice, through their High Alert page.
“The symptoms displayed are consistent with an opioid overdose, and those involved responded well to naloxone – a drug that reverses an opioid overdose.
“It’s currently not known how widely this substance may be circulating. There are concerns people may already have this substance, or it may continue to be sold as cocaine in the Wairarapa or other regions. People consuming this substance believing it to be cocaine are at high risk of experiencing serious harm, including death.”
Police urged anyone with information about this substance or its origins, or anyone involved in its distribution to contact police online, on 105 or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
