Health authorities are raising the alarm after around 1700 toxic poppy plants were stolen from a secret farm in Victoria.
The alkaloid poppies, which are grown for the pharmaceutical industry, were taken from a regulated crop on a property in Ballarat between February 14 and 16.
Unlike regular opioid poppies, which contain sedative opiates like morphine and codeine, the alkaloid variety contains life-threatening thebaine and oripavine at dangerously high concentrations.
"Thebaine does not produce pain relief, sedation or euphoria," the Victorian Health Department wrote in a statement.
"Thebaine stimulates the nervous system and can lead to seizures, high body temperature, and life-threatening toxicity.
"Any exposure to thebaine may cause toxicity."
Oripavine contains "tiny, trace amounts" of opioids, but can also cause agitation, seizures and "life-threatening complications at high doses".
The department warned the wider community to be vigilant of dried, powdered, or liquid poppy flower product, such as dried flower heads without petals, ground poppy-plant material or "liquid preparations" derived from poppy plants.
Between 2022 and 2023 at least 40 people in Victoria experienced life-threatening agitation, muscle twitching, fevers and seizures after drinking thebaine-contaminated poppy seed tea.
Popular drug antidote Naloxone will only reverse the opioid effects of oripavine and will not reverse thebaine toxicity or toxic stimulant effects of oripavine.
If you experience toxic drug effects or are present when someone has an unexpected reaction, seek help immediately by calling Triple Zero.
Victoria Police said it "strongly discourages any handling, transport, or experimentation with the plants".
Investigations into the theft remain ongoing.
National Alcohol and Other Drug hotline 1800 250 015
Support for families and friends of individuals experiencing alcohol or drug dependency:Family Drug Support Australia24/7 Support Line – 1300 368 186
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<img src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/the-airy-relaxed-bedroom-in-one-of-windjammer-landing-s-hillside-villas.jpg?id=61521606&width=980"/><br/><br/><p>If you're looking for vacation inspo with views that feel almost too perfect to be real, this quiet hillside escape might be exactly what you need. Perched above sparkling blue waters and a golden stretch of sand, this <a href="https://www.narcity.com/windjammer-landing-saint-lucia-canadian-owned">Canadian-owned resort</a> looks like it was made for the front of a postcard.</p><p>Tucked away on the quiet shores of Labrelotte Bay in northwest Saint Lucia is <a href="https://www.windjammer-landing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Windjammer Landing</a>, home to a collection of cliffside villas where the view stretches as far as the horizon.</p><p>The villas sit high above the bay, nestled among palm trees and bougainvillea, with private terraces that open onto sweeping ocean vistas. </p><p>Each one is a little different. Some are multi-level, some come with plunge pools, others sit closer to the beach, but they are all Canadian-owned and Caribbean-inspired.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDIEQoUuqoe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DDIEQoUuqoe/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>From a distance, the resort resembles a hillside village. White stucco walls and terra-cotta roofs peek through the greenery, while glass railings and clean lines hint at the modern interiors. Floor-to-ceiling doors open wide to catch the breeze, and in some villas, infinity pools spill toward the bay so seamlessly it's hard to tell where the water ends and the ocean begins.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="An infinity pool Windjammer Landing." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="164388408c5ac89cab21fb377085ab2a" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="71b33" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/an-infinity-pool-windjammer-landing.png?id=61521065&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."><a href="https://www.narcity.com/author/helena-hanson/" target="_blank">Helena Hanson | Narcity</a></small></p><p>The resort's newly-renovated Ocean Point residences range from two to four bedrooms. They're ideal for families, small groups or couples who want a bit more room — and a view worth waking up early for. Even the smaller suites come with ocean-facing balconies, where the day begins with sunlight spilling over the bay.</p><p>Inside, the design is modern and understated. Neutral tones, natural textures and open layouts keep things airy and calm. Fully equipped kitchens or compact kitchenettes are available for those who prefer to snack and cook in the comfort of their own space.<br/></p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="The airy, relaxed suites at Windjammer Landing." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="06dd62d0ae01a3b0293b9f024f40000f" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="c4584" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/the-airy-relaxed-suites-at-windjammer-landing.png?id=61521066&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."><a href="https://www.narcity.com/author/helena-hanson/" target="_blank">Helena Hanson | Narcity</a></small></p><p>Ranging from 1,875 to 4,200 square feet, the villas can host anywhere from four to 12 guests. Plus, with hundreds of rooms ranging from understated ocean view bedrooms to oceanfront suites and the premium Ocean Point villas, there's a small slice of Saint Lucia luxury here whatever your vacation budget.</p><p>Below the hillside, the resort opens onto 64,000 square feet of white sand beachfront — a wide crescent of shoreline where turquoise waters meet sugary golden sand. The beach stays peaceful throughout the day, and the walking paths that connect the villas to the rest of the property make it easy to stumble upon quiet corners.</p><p class="shortcode-media shortcode-media-rebelmouse-image"> <img alt="The airy, relaxed bedroom in one of Windjammer Landing's hillside villas." class="rm-shortcode" data-rm-shortcode-id="c90507ed752995617dbce15245c70615" data-rm-shortcode-name="rebelmouse-image" id="f92a0" loading="lazy" src="https://www.mtlblog.com/media-library/the-airy-relaxed-bedroom-in-one-of-windjammer-landing-s-hillside-villas.png?id=61521161&width=980"/> <small class="image-media media-photo-credit" placeholder="Add Photo Credit..."><a href="https://www.narcity.com/author/helena-hanson/" target="_blank">Helena Hanson | Narcity</a></small></p><p>Elsewhere on the property, the pace shifts between quiet and active. There are six pools scattered throughout the resort, along with a spa, fitness centre, and <a href="https://www.windjammer-landing.com/dining">seven dining venues</a> that range from open-air beach bars to candlelit restaurants tucked into the hillside. Guests can spend the day snorkelling in the bay, learning to paddleboard, or not doing much at all.<br/></p><p>And Saint Lucia's charm extends beyond Windjammer's walls. Known for its <a href="https://www.narcity.com/tiny-island-saint-lucia-short-flight-toronto">dramatic volcanic peaks</a>, dense rainforests and iconic twin Pitons, the island offers a lot to explore. Hike Gros Piton for a bird's eye view of the coast, or take the gentler route inland to Sulphur Springs — the world's only drive-in volcano, where visitors can soak in warm, mineral-rich mud baths and rinse off in natural pools.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKErdT2IK1s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DKErdT2IK1s/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Offshore, catamarans cruise past coral reefs and secret coves, while dolphin and whale watching tours offer a closer look at the island's marine life. And for those more interested in Saint Lucia's cultural side, there are chocolate workshops, rum tastings, and open-air markets in Castries showcasing local crafts and ingredients.</p><p>One of the island's biggest annual events, the <a href="https://www.saintluciajazzandartsfestival.com">Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival</a>, takes place each spring and turns the island into a celebration of music and culture. The 2025 edition featured a lineup including John Legend, Summer Walker and Earth, Wind & Fire, with headline performances held on Pigeon Island — a 44-acre islet offering an open-air venue surrounded by sea and sky.</p><p>The resort's in-house adventure partner, <a href="https://www.windjammer-landing.com/experience/jammin-tours" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jammin' Tours</a>, offers a mix of full-day and half-day excursions designed to show off the island's landscapes — whether it's zip-lining through the rainforest, horseback riding along the beach, or a sunset sail past the Pitons.</p><p>Closer to home, <a href="https://www.windjammer-landing.com/experience">Windjammer's own activity calendar</a> keeps things light. Regularly, events like beach volleyball, kayak races, live Caribbean steel pan performances and even giant Connect 4 games take place on the beach or pool deck.</p><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMBbOICo6VA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DMBbOICo6VA/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p><strong></strong>Getting to Saint Lucia from Montreal is relatively straightforward, with indirect flights to Hewanorra International Airport taking around eight hours with a connection. From there, it's about a 90-minute drive to the resort — a journey that passes through quiet villages, winding hills and glimpses of coastline that hint at what's to come.</p><h3>Windjammer Landing</h3><br/><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAd-1nENz6o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" data-instgrm-version="4" style="background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:658px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/DAd-1nENz6o/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" style=" color:#000; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none; word-wrap:break-word;" target="_top">See on Instagram</a>
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</blockquote><script async="" defer="" src="//platform.instagram.com/en_US/embeds.js"></script><p>Price: From $263 USD per night, including breakfast</p><p>Address: 1504, Labrelotte Bay, St Lucia</p><p>Why You Need To Go: If your idea of a Caribbean escape includes quiet luxury, postcard-worthy views and the kind of sunrise you'll still be thinking about months later, this Saint Lucian hillside might be exactly where you want to be!</p><p><a href="https://www.windjammer-landing.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Book via Windjammer Landing</a></p><p><em>Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and Windjammer Landing offered Helena Hanson the opportunity to visit the island with no expectation of coverage, positive or otherwise.</em></p><p><em>Narcity Media does not accept payment, gifts or favours in exchange for editorial coverage. We may accept a free product, service or experience if we believe our honest review could be of value to our readers. You can find our full <a href="https://www.narcity.com/editorial-standards" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Editorial Standards here</a>.</em></p><p><em>Before you get going, check out our <a href="https://www.mtlblog.com/responsible-travel-guidelines" target="_blank">Responsible Travel Guide</a> so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.</em></p>
