Update Hamilton schoolgirls hopitalised after taking pills

Where did the pills come from that caused a group of girls to require hospital treatment is the question being posed by Hamilton Police as they await the results of forensic test to identify what if any drugs were involved.

Hamilton City Area Commander, Inspector Rob Lindsay, said investigators were today speaking to school management at Fairfield College while at the same time commencing interviews with the students, aged 13-15-years-old, about what had happened.

"A key part of our investigation is identify the composition of the pink pills the girls are alleged to have taken, one of which we recovered overnight.

"Once we've identified the contents we will be able to determine what if any illegal activity has taken place and what action can be taken. At this point I would also like to point out that we support the school's actions in doing everything they could to safeguard their students."

While awaiting the identification Mr Lindsay had some advice to parents, caregivers and young people themselves, about the risks associated with taking illicit drugs.

"When you don't know what you are taking the risks are huge, most people aren't prepared to take such a risk but there is always a small percentage willing to experiment and they are taking a huge risk consuming substances they don't know about, possibly made by people under the influence of the same substance.

"What sought of safety checks or quality controls do you think are being applied in such circumstances, our message is you only get one body- look after it."

And while Police are investigating the legality of the items taken by the girls health experts are warning risks are posed not only from illicit drugs but so called legal party pills as well.

Waikato Hospital emergency department doctor Tonia Nicholson today warned the public that party pills can and do kill.

Speaking on her experience dealing with patients presenting at the hospital's emergency department, Dr Nicholson said it is scary what can happen if young people take pills.

"If I had the opportunity to talk to the girls from yesterday's incident again I would tell them the following:"

• You’re very lucky there were people at school who recognised there was a problem
• You're lucky you've got family and parents to go home to
• They should never, ever, ever do it again
• Tell your friends the bad affects and how awful you felt at the time.
• Don’t take things unless you know what you’re taking because death can be the end result.

For parents both Mr Lindsay and Dr Nicholson agreed that it was important that they educated their children about the dangers posed by drugs and the people offering them.

Anyone with any information on illegal drug activity should contact their nearest Police Station, your call will be treated in confidence.

Alternatively information can be left anonymously with Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.