Around 400 people unknowingly consumed drug-laced candy distributed by charity: 'Tasting unexpectedly different'

In New Zealand, a charity issued an apology after police found up to 400 pieces of candy containing "potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine" in food parcels.

"The New Zealand Drug Foundation (NZDF) advised against consuming Rinda brand pineapple lollies due to potential contamination. If you or someone you know has eaten one and is feeling unwell, contact 111 immediately."

The Aukland City Mission contacted authorities after a person who received the candy said it tasted funny. At least three people, including a child, required medical attention after consuming the candy, although none were hospitalized as of Wednesday.

The estimated street value of each meth-laced candy in New Zealand is approximately $600. Although police recovered 29 of the candies, they are unsure how many remain in circulation.

The candy may have a "sour and repulsive" taste, and consuming it may lead to symptoms such as chest pain, heart palpitations, seizures, hyperthermia, delirium, or loss of consciousness, the charity cautioned.

During a news conference, Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin assured the public that the matter was being taken very seriously.

The charity has made efforts to locate as many of the packages as possible, stating that the candies within them may have been laced with potentially deadly doses of methamphetamine. The candy was received anonymously as a donation in a sealed retail package within the past six weeks.

"Sarah Helm of the NZDF stated that a typical dose of methamphetamine is between 10-25mg, meaning that the contaminated lolly contained up to 300 doses. Consuming that amount of methamphetamine is highly dangerous and could potentially lead to death."

The New York Times reported that the group distributes approximately 50,000 food parcels annually, consisting solely of commercially manufactured food. Individual packages containing contaminated candy may contain only a few pieces or dozens.

A foundation spokesperson, Ben Birks Ang, informed The Associated Press that disguising drugs as harmless products is a common method of cross-border smuggling and it's possible that more of the candies were distributed throughout New Zealand.

The Rinda-labeled pineapple candies containing meth were mistakenly delivered, leading police to believe it was a failed smuggling attempt.

General manager Steven Teh of Rinda Food Industries has issued a statement to the media clarifying that the company does not support or approve of the use of any illegal drugs in their products, following reports of "misused" candy.