Preliminary test results have today confirmed the illicit substance consumed by a number of people in the Wairarapa over
the weekend was fentanyl.
"While these results are still preliminary, it's important that we now know exactly what we're dealing with," says
Manager: National Drug Intelligence Bureau Detective Inspector Blair Macdonald.
The analysis, by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research Limited (ESR), also indicated the sample tested
contained the presence of mannitol or a similar sugar-type substance.
"What this tells us is the fentanyl was cut or diluted by this sugar-type substance."
Further sample tests related to the Wairarapa hospitalisations are ongoing.