New Zealand

Ninth death in Auckland linked to synthetic cannabis use

16:01 pm on 28 July 2017

The death of a 31-year-old west Auckland woman last night is the ninth in the region to be linked to synthetic cannabis use this month, say police.

Photo: AFP

Police said the woman may have been smoking synthetic cannabis last night, but there may have been other contributing factors to the death.

The case has been referred to the Coroner, who will determine the cause of death.

Eight deaths are already been linked to the drug in Auckland this month.

Acting Detective Inspector Peter Florence said officers arrested two people in St Lukes with up to three kilograms worth of synthetic cannabis.

He urged people report anyone suspected of selling synthetic cannabis or other illegal substances.

Mr Florence said police were taking the matter very seriously and were doing everything they could to get synthetic cannabis off the streets.

"This is causing harm to our community, and we urge those smoking synthetic cannabis to stop immediately and seek help."