Police are investigating whether the case is linked to an earlier hospitalisation
A 23-year-old woman is thought to have died eating a cannabis sweet, according to police, who have issued a warning about taking edible drugs.
The Met Police said that the woman, whose identity has not yet been released, bought “gummies” through a messaging app and they were later delivered to her home in Tower Hamlets, east London, on March 29.
Arriving in packaging that said “Trrlli Peachie O’s”, she and her friend both ate one each but both immediately felt sick. They were taken to a local hospital to be treated but the 23-year-old passed away there on April 2.
While her identity is being kept private, her 21-year-old friend has since been discharged from hospital.
A man has been arrested in connection with the incident and charged with possession with intent to supply Class B synthetic cannabinoid, being concerned in the supply of a synthetic cannabinoid, and possession with intent to supply a psychoactive substance.
The Met said he was found in possession of a large quantity of cash and what they believed to be edible cannabis products.
They have also issued a warning over the sweets and are now testing a number of the suspected drugs that have been recovered.
The Met said that the case might be linked to another similar incident in March when a woman was taken to hospital after eating a cannabis sweet in Tower Hamlets.
She has been discharged but police are looking to see if the incidents are connected and if the sweets came from the batch.
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell, of the Met’s East Area Basic Command Unit, said: “I must warn the public against taking any illegal substances, including those packaged in the form of cannabis sweets.
“Please do not buy or consume these products. They are illegal and, because of the child-friendly packaging, they can pose a risk of accidental consumption.”
Bell went on to say: “Drug dealers harm communities and risk the safety of individuals. We will take positive action to target those engaged in this activity as well as those found in possession of these substances.”
He urged anyone with information about people selling illegal products to speak with local officers, call police on 101 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers.
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