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.
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"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 Australia 24/7 Support Line – 1300 368 186
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