Hamilton Police investigating contents of pills that put schoolgirls in hospital

Hamilton Police investigating how a group of female secondary school students came to take a quantity of unidentified pills, resulting in several requiring hospital treatment, say identifying the substance will be key to how their investigation progresses.

City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said Police first became aware of an issue shortly before 2pm.

"We were informed a number of students were being taken to Waikato Hospital allegedly under the influence of a suspected drug, from there Police made contact with the school to establish what had occurred.

"At this point we understand 11 students were initially involved and the hospital has confirmed six were taken for treatment. Our staff have obtained what we believe is a sample of the pills the girls being treated took and this will be analysed so we can tell what if any drugs were involved."

Mr Lindsay said the identities of all persons involved were still being established and Police would be making contact with the school, medical staff and other parties concerned today.

"At this point in time, until we have established what it is we're dealing with, it would be premature to draw any conclusions about what has occurred.

"Having said that this may serve as a timely reminder to parents, caregivers and young people of the dangers associated with accepting items you don't know the origin of, or what the consequences may be."