Police are investigating the donation of drugs in candy wrappers to the food bank

Police in New Zealand are investigating how drugs in candy wrappers were donated to a food bank.

Earlier this week, the Auckland City Mission discovered an unknown person handing out food parcels donated some lollipops containing methamphetamine.

The Rinda brand pineapple lollipops were in a sealed retail package. The charity only accepts commercially manufactured items for inclusion in food parcels.

One problem was reported by a food parcel recipient who said he had “funny tasting” lollipops. The NZ Drug Foundation still tested the sweets on site and the results confirmed they contained potentially lethal levels of methamphetamine.

Reports from affected people
The police know of four people who sought medical help. A charity worker went to hospital before being discharged. She developed complaints after tasting a lollipop. Three young people were taken for medical checks as a precaution after tasting the sweet before spitting it out due to its unpleasant taste. Anyone who is concerned that they have consumed one of the lollipops and is feeling unwell is advised to rush to their nearest healthcare provider.

Police said they found more than 30 bricks of methamphetamine disguised as branded lollipops. Initial investigations show that six to eight lollipops have been thrown away by those who received parcels.

Officers are still trying to determine how many lollipops may be in circulation as part of Operation Tirade, but the problem appears to be limited to the Auckland region.

Detective Inspector Glenn Baldwin of the Auckland City Criminal Investigation Branch said: “The investigation team acknowledges the information that has been received and people are reporting that they have some of the disguised lollipops. Detectives attended these reports to secure the items and remove them from circulation.”

The police are aware of a report that someone has tried to sell one of the lollipops on Facebook Marketplace. They said dealing a Class A drug is a serious crime.

“We take this report very seriously, but investigations are in the early stages. Those who accidentally came into possession of these lollipops through food parcels have done nothing wrong,” Baldwin said.

Rinda’s response
Police have contacted the Rinda company, based in Malaysia, and the company is cooperating with the investigation. Officers are investigating the origin of the methamphetamine and suspect it was imported into New Zealand.

Rinda Food Industries said it does not condone the use of illegal drugs in its products.

“It has come to our attention through recent news reports in New Zealand that our products may have been misused in connection with illegal substances. We recognize the seriousness of this situation and understand the concerns it raises. We will work closely with law enforcement agencies and relevant authorities to address this issue and protect the integrity of our brand.”

Auckland City Mission said: “Our immediate priority is the safety of the people we support. In the long term we will conduct internal research to see whether our processes can be improved. To say we are devastated is an understatement. We rely on the generosity of the public to help those in need, and we are grateful to everyone who supports us.”

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