The Government of Belize has ordered a “full and thorough” investigation to determine the circumstances that led to several people, including children, being rushed to the hospital after suffering marijuana intoxication on Tuesday (April 25).

A report from the Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital (KHMH) indicates that its Mass Casualty Code was triggered on Tuesday after seeing a high number of students admitted to its Accident and Emergency Unit after seemingly consuming said treats.

A total of 27 children, aged 5 to 15 years, have been examined at the KHMH along with four adults who appeared to be intoxicated.

At the time of the incident, some of the children were unresponsive and unconscious. Presently, all children and adults are in a stable condition.

SUSPECTS BEING QUESTIONED

Initial information is that the treats were purchased from two individuals, who are now in police custody along with some recovered items. During their interviews, the suspects claimed that the treats were purchased from another source.

The Commissioner of Police has instructed that a thorough investigation be conducted to identify the primary source of the product.

The treats were collected for forensic analysis along with urine samples. The KHMH, National Drug Abuse Control Council (NDACC), and a team from Central Health Region are also investigating the matter.

The Ministry of Health & Wellness has dispatched public health inspectors and NDACC case officers to the affected primary school to investigate.