1 Woman Dead, Friend Hospitalized After Eating Sweets Laced With Cannabis, Cops Issue Warning

A 23-year-old woman reportedly died after purchasing sweets laced with cannabis after having them delivered to her home in South Park Drive, Ilford in London on March 29.

The woman from Ilford bought what she thought were "gummies" via a messaging app on her phone. Together with her 21-year-old friend, they ate one each and immediately became ill. Paramedics were called to the house on the same night, and the two women were taken to the hospital. The sweets came in packaging branded "Trrlli Peachie O’s."

Despite immediate treatment, the 23-year-old died on April 2. A postmortem is still to take place. Meanwhile, her friend has been discharged from the hospital.

Leon Brown, 37, of Albert Road, South Norwood, south London, has been charged in connection with the woman’s death, he was arrested on Friday. Brown appeared in custody at Barkingside Magistrates Court on Monday. He was later 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.

There is still no confirmation on where "Trrlli Peachie O's" were being manufactured, but police are warning the public against illegal substances packaged in the form of cannabis-laced sweets as they bring a risk of accidental consumption due to the child-friendly packaging.

Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell of the Met's East Area BCU stated, "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."

“The particular batch of sweets were contained in packaging featuring "Trrlli Peachie O's" branding. It has not been confirmed at this stage where the sweets were manufactured. 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.”

Some of the sweets have been recovered and are currently being tested. Officers believe the case could be connected to another incident in March in which a woman was rushed to hospital after eating sweets laced with cannabis in nearby Tower Hamlets. She has since been discharged, an investigation is ongoing to find out whether the sweet was from the same purchaser involved in the Ilford death and also to examine if there are any other similar incidents.