Drug batch linked to death

Health authorities are warning of a ‘‘very dangerous’’ batch of synthetic cannabinoids that is likely linked to at least one death and another serious hospitalisation in the lower North Island. High Alert, a drug warning system run by Drug Information and Alert New Zealand (Dianz), has issued a notification regarding the batch, which it said was very likely circulating in the Wellington region, Palmerston North, Wairarapa and possibly other parts of the country. ‘‘High Alert recommends extreme caution consuming synthetic cannabinoids (also known as synnies), especially in these locations at this time. People may collapse or drop, foam at the mouth, or experience temporary paralysis,’’ said the notification.