The Tasmanian Greens today raised concerns about the adequacy of security and signage around poppy crops warning of the deadly consequences of ingesting illegally harvested thebaine capsules.
Greens Primary Industries spokesperson Kim Booth MP used Budget Estimates today to highlight the tragic case of a young Tasmanian who died after drinking a tea made using thebaine capsules.
“Many people might not realise that thebaine poppies are even more toxic than conventional opium poppies, and that complex industrial chemistry is required to turn it into a safe product,” Mr Booth said.
“I am not convinced that the current signage adequately spells out the dangers, particularly given the recent tragic death of a young man who allegedly died from drinking a homemade poppy brew.”
“A recent review of the regulations by the Poppy Advisory Control Board found that the current standards were adequate, but the death of this young man suggests tighter regulations might be needed.”
“Thebaine is a precursor chemical to various pharmaceutical products, but when it is ingested in its raw form it can cause extreme sickness, loss of motor control, and death.”
“Unfortunately people can reach over the fence and grab bag full of thebaine capsules, then take it home and make a cup of toxic tea.”
“There is a well established legal precedence regarding the construction of what effectively is a man trap, and I would argue that placing deadly thebaine poppies within hands grasp of a public road constitutes just that.”
“How come you have to erect a six foot high fence around a building site yet you can tempt the public with a deadly poison without the same security is the question that the Minister must answer.”
Kim Booth MP Greens Primary Industries Spokesperson Thursday, 6 June 2013
