Met Police issue ‘cannabis sweet’ warning after woman, 23, dies in east London

Police officers have issued a warning following the death of a woman in east London after eating a suspected cannabis sweet.

The Metropolitan Police said the 23-year-old woman purchased the “gummies” via a messaging app on her phone and were delivered to her home in South Park Drive, Ilford, on 29 March.

The sweets came in packaging branded with “Trrlli Peachie O’s” and the woman and a 21-year-old friend both immediately fell ill after eating one each.

The women were taken to a hospital in east London for treatment but the 23-year-old died on Saturday (2 April).

The Met said her identity was not being released at this time. The woman’s friend has since been discharged from hospital following treatment.

Leon Brown, 37, was arrested in connection with the incident on 1 April and was subsequently 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.

Mr Brown, of Albert Road, South Norwood, south London, appeared in custody at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on Monday.

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 under way to establish whether the sweet was from the same batch involved in the Ilford death.

Warning issued

Officers have issued a warning over the sweets and said a number have been recovered and are now being tested.

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.”