Ten Carnarvon youths hospitalised after synthetic cannabis ‘overdose’

Ten Carnarvon youths – including an 11-year-old child – were taken to hospital after police found them in varying states of consciousness after smoking synthetic cannabis.

Carnarvon police made the discovery at a Brockman home after receiving a report from a neighbour on Sunday afternoon.

Senior Sergeant Jayd Morawski said a number of people who were adversely affected by the drug were then found at five other nearby homes.

“Police located a number of people who were unconscious or semi-conscious and were informed that these people had inhaled or smoked a substance that they believed was a synthetic cannabinoid,” Sen. Sgt Morawski said.

“They were all at one house, they felt an ill effect, and then some left that address and went back to their varying home addresses.

“A number of these people were conveyed to Carnarvon Hospital, with a total of 10 people - ranging in age from 11 to 19 years of age - receiving medical treatment.”

St John Ambulance also attended.

Sen. Sgt Morawski said police were now working closely with the Department of Health on the investigation.

Police have yet to charge anyone over the incident.

Sen. Sgt Morawski said the substance was sold in packets and resembled “plant-based material”.

“Police are of the belief that the substances used are unregulated and believed to contain an unknown psychoactive substance which can cause serious health issues,” Sen. Sgt Morawski said.

“The recent cluster of overdoses appears to be an isolated incident, with all victims known to each other, however, people are urged to avoid consumption of these substances.

“If they or someone that they know has consumed these substances and has experienced any adverse effects, seek help from your nearest emergency department, call Triple 0 for emergency assistance, or phone the WA Police Information Centre on 13 11 26.”

Anyone with information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.