Arabic version: تنبيه صحي بعد سرقة نباتات الخشخاش في فيكتوريا

Victoria Police are investigating the theft of about 1,700 poppy plants grown for the pharmaceutical industry from a farm in the Ballarat area, which occurred between February 14 and 16. The plants have prompted a health department alert due to their potentially dangerous effects. According to ABC News, these poppies contain dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine, which differ significantly from traditional opioid varieties.

The Victorian Department of Health issued a warning stating that the stolen poppies could cause “unpredictable, potentially life-threatening effects.” Unlike traditional opioids, thebaine does not provide pain relief and can lead to severe symptoms such as seizures and high body temperature. The department emphasized that any exposure to thebaine may cause toxicity.

Additionally, oripavine, while possessing some opioid activity, is not used medically due to its potential for causing severe toxicity at high doses. The health department cautioned that naloxone, the opioid-reversal drug, would not counteract the toxic effects of either compound.

The department also noted previous incidents involving thebaine, highlighting that in 2022-23, at least 40 individuals experienced life-threatening conditions from consuming thebaine-contaminated poppy seed tea. They urged anyone experiencing toxic effects to seek immediate medical assistance.

Authorities are calling on witnesses or anyone with information regarding the theft to come forward and report to Crime Stoppers.