Health department warning after 1,700 poppies stolen from Ballarat farm

When about 1,700 alkaloid poppy plants grown for pharmaceutical purposes were stolen from a farm in the Ballarat area, it had the state government worried enough to issue a health warning.

What happened? Ballarat detectives investigating the theft of the plants believe they were taken between February 14 and 16. 

Dangerously toxic: According to the Victorian Department of Health, alkaloid poppies produce “unpredictable, potentially life-threatening” effects, due to their dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine.

The government body noted in 2022-2023, at least 40 people in Victoria experienced agitation, muscle twitching, high body temperatures and seizures after consuming thebaine-contaminated poppy seed “tea”.

What’s in them? The health department say alkaloid poppies are very different to traditional opium poppies, used for pain relief or as a narcotic drug.

• Thebaine, one of the substances found in alkaloid poppies, does not produce pain relief, sedation or euphoria, it says. 

“Thebaine stimulates the nervous system and can lead to seizures, high body temperature and life-threatening toxicity. Any exposure to thebaine may cause toxicity.”

• The department said oripavine can produce opioid-like effects such as sedation, slowed breathing and small pupils, but is not used medically because it can also cause severe toxicity and life-threatening complications at high doses. 

Reversing effects: Naloxone will reverse the opioid effects of oripavine but will not reverse the toxic stimulant effects, and it will not reverse thebaine toxicity.

• The department also urges caution of any dried, powdered or liquified poppy plant products as they may contain high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine.

Police callout: As investigations continue, any witnesses or anyone with vision or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or anonymously at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.