Sixth suspected fantasy overdose in Wellington region

<p>A sixth person is in hospital from a suspected fantasy overdose in the Wellington region, as police reissue a plea for caution. </p> <p>Last Friday, <a href="https://www.1news.co.nz/2026/06/27/suspected-ghb-overdose-at-wellingtons-mysterious-woofingtons-castle/" target="_blank">one person died</a> and three others were in hospital following five suspected overdoses of the drug – also known as GHB or liquid ecstasy – across the capital.</p> <p>The incidents occurred across the district, spanning Miramar, Brooklyn, Johnsonville and Upper Hutt. A fifth person was treated and discharged from medical care.</p> <p>Detective Inspector Anna Grant today said a sixth suspected overdose had been detected in Wainuiomata overnight. </p> <p>"The person is in a serious condition and remains in hospital today," Grant said. </p> <p>It brings the total number of suspected overdoses to six since last Friday. </p> <p>GHB — commonly known as fantasy or liquid ecstasy — is a central nervous system depressant that produces euphoric, relaxing effects, usually within 15 to 20 minutes. It presents as a clear, oily liquid and is typically mixed with water or soft drinks.</p> <p>It is particularly dangerous because the difference between the desired effect and a fatal overdose can be a matter of millilitres, and potency can vary significantly between batches.</p> <p>The risk increases when users re-dose too soon or mix the substance with alcohol or other depressants.</p> <p>Grant said police were continuing to investigate the matter "as a priority given the risk to the public".</p> <p>"This includes working to identify if the cases are connected, and find out where the supply has originated."</p> <p>Police strongly urged the public to "take extreme caution around drugs of this type".</p> <p>"While it’s safest not to use drugs at all, New Zealand’s drug early warning system High Alert recommends, at the very least, getting substances checked before taking them."</p> <p>High Alert said it had been tracking an increasing trend of GHB overdoses across New Zealand, with a particular concentration of emergency department presentations in the Wellington region.</p> <p>Anyone feeling unwell after taking a substance was urged to go to their nearest healthcare provider urgently.</p>