An investigation is currently in progress after several individuals fell ill following the purchase of chocolate that may have been unknowingly laced with drugs over the weekend. Detective Inspector Luke Todd, from Nottinghamshire Police, has provided an update on the ongoing investigation.
We are currently investigating reports of people falling ill after unknowingly buying chocolate laced with drugs over the weekend. Tests are in the process of being carried out, but at present, there is no evidence to support claims that the chocolate bars contained any illicit drugs,” stated Detective Inspector Todd.
The investigation has led to the arrest of a 63-year-old woman on suspicion of administering a noxious substance. She is cooperating with the police in their ongoing inquiries. The chocolate bars in question were reportedly sold in orange ‘Cali-Gold’ boxes with golden wrappers. These items were available for purchase on Saturday, November 25, at Mansfield Market.
Detective Inspector Todd urged anyone who bought this chocolate or recognised the packaging in the images to contact Nottinghamshire Police immediately by calling 101 and quoting incident number 180 of November 26, 2023.
Dr. Kakoli Choudhury, Consultant in Communicable Disease Control at the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) East Midlands, emphasized the importance of seeking medical assistance for those who may have consumed the chocolate. “If you have already eaten this chocolate and developed symptoms, please call NHS 111 or contact your GP. The small number of people who became unwell have fully recovered. Investigations are ongoing about what may have caused the illness,” Dr. Choudhury said.
Tina Potter, Head of Incidents at the Food Standards Agency, urged caution regarding the ‘Cali-Gold’ chocolate. “We are working with local authorities, the UK Health Security Agency, and Nottinghamshire Police to investigate an incident following reports of illness after eating ‘Cali-Gold’ chocolate. If you have purchased ‘Cali-Gold’ chocolate from Mansfield Market in Nottinghamshire, you should not consume the product or give it to anyone else and should hand it to the police. If you have already eaten it and developed symptoms, then you should urgently seek medical attention from your GP or walk-in centre,” Potter advised.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and well-being of the public.
