Drugs were found in the candies donated to a charity organization in New Zealand.

An association in Auckland, New Zealand, that helps the homeless accidentally distributed candies containing "lethal doses" of methamphetamine.

Inspector Glenn Baldwin stated that most of the people who consumed the donated candies spat them out due to their "disgusting" taste. After one person alerted the association about the taste of the candy, the matter was reported to the authorities. Baldwin mentioned that three people, including the staff members who tasted the candy, were taken to the hospital but were later discharged.

Auckland City Mission, a charity organization, announced on its official website that the candies containing high doses of methamphetamine were donated to the association by an unidentified individual.

Ben Birks Ang, a spokesperson for the New Zealand Drug Foundation, stated that tests conducted by the foundation revealed that the amount of methamphetamine in each candy could be up to 300 times the normal dosage, which could have lethal consequences. Ang also mentioned that hiding drugs in products like candies is a common technique used in cross-border smuggling. Considering that each candy is valued at around 1000 New Zealand dollars (approximately 600 dollars), they believe that this was done accidentally rather than as a deliberate attack.

The quantity of candies donated in the past 6 weeks and the amount of methamphetamine they contained is still unknown.

SUGAR COMPANY ISSUES STATEMENT

The company that produces the candies also issued a statement, stating that they never condone the use of illegal drugs in their products and that the candies may have been "misused (after production)." The company also mentioned that they will cooperate with the authorities.

Methamphetamine is a powerful and highly addictive synthetic substance that affects the central nervous system. It is usually a white, odorless, crystalline powder with a bitter taste and can easily dissolve in water or alcohol.