Potentially lethal drug stolen from North Auckland car, police urge return

A potentially lethal medicine has been stolen from a car, prompting police to warn anyone in possession of its dangerous effects.

The medication, known as Pentobarbital, could have a lethal impact if ingested, with Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Greaves of Auckland City CIB explaining the medicine was provided by a vet and was inside a handbag stolen from a vehicle parked in Glendowie overnight on Wednesday.

The label of the drug says it is for animal treatment only and is “for the euthanasia of dogs and cats only” and is “not for use as general anaesthetic”.

“The medication is in liquid form and was inside a pink handbag,” Greaves said.

“It’s likely the person has mistakenly taken the medication without knowing it was inside the bag, and we are asking for it to be handed in as soon as possible.”

Officers had made multiple inquiries which had so far proved to be unsuccessful.

“Police are actively investigating this matter and treating it as a priority,” Greaves said.

“Our main concern is that the person who took this item, or potentially gives it to someone else, does not know what they are in possession of.

Pentobarbital is a class C4 controlled drug and its recommended use is injection for animal euthanasia.

A class C4 drug must be kept in an approved controlled drug safe, while the code of veterinarians states that those who carry controlled drugs in their vehicles for use at work must comply with the statutory requirements.

“Those controlled drugs not required for immediate use must be stored in a locked metal compartment securely fixed to the vehicle,” the code reads.

“If the vehicle is left unattended, the veterinarian must take all reasonable steps to secure the vehicle against unlawful entry.

“A locked vehicle boot, locked ute service box, locked cabinet within the service box or locked glove box currently meet these requirements.”

It has also been commonly used in voluntary assisted dying in jurisdictions which allow it.

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