Police have issued a public warning after a woman in east London died after eating a cannabis sweet.
The 23-year-old victim and a friend fell ill after buying the gummies from a dealer in Ilford last month. Her friend, 21, recovered but the older woman died in hospital on Saturday.
A number of the sweets – which came in packaging branded with “Trrlli Peachie O’s – have been recovered and are being tested by the police. The victim’s identity has not been revealed by officers.
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 force said he was found in possession of a large quantity of cash and what were believed to be edible cannabis products.
The Met said the case may be linked to another incident in March where a woman was taken to hospital after eating a cannabis sweet in Tower Hamlets.
She has since been discharged but an inquiry is underway to establish whether the sweet was from the same batch involved in the Ilford death.
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.
“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.
“Anyone with information about people selling illegal products such as these is asked to speak with local officers, call police on 101 or, to remain anonymous, contact Crimestoppers.”
