Deadly ‘Cannabis Sweets’ Warning After Ilford Woman Dies
A 23-year-old woman has tragically died after eating what she believed were cannabis sweets, sparking a police probe into dangerous synthetic drugs disguised as gummies.
Sweet Treat Turns Deadly
On 29 March, the woman bought cannabis-style sweets through a messaging app. She and a 21-year-old friend each ate one. Both quickly fell ill. Emergency services rushed to their South Park Drive home in Ilford just before midnight. Both women were hospitalised.
Sadly, the younger woman died in hospital on 2 April. Her identity is being kept private. A full post-mortem and toxicology tests on seized sweets are underway.
The friend has since been discharged after treatment.
Police Probe Linked Cases and Arrest Suspect
- Officers are investigating if other people have suffered after eating similar gummies.
- One case involves a woman in Tower Hamlets who fell sick after eating a cannabis sweet earlier in March. She was treated and released.
- On 1 April, police arrested a man carrying large amounts of cash and suspected edible cannabis products.
- The man faces charges for possession and intent to supply Class B synthetic cannabinoids and other psychoactive substances.
Met Police Issues Grim Public Warning
Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell of the Met’s East Area said: “I must warn the public against taking any illegal substances, including those packaged as cannabis sweets.”
“Do not buy or consume these products. They are illegal and often come in child-friendly packaging, risking accidental poisoning. The batch linked to this incident was branded ‘Trrlli Peachie O’s’, though their origin remains unknown.
Drug dealers endanger our communities and individuals. We will take strong action against anyone involved in their distribution.”
If you have information about illegal drug sales, contact your local police, call 101, or anonymously notify Crimestoppers.
