Source of killer cocaine drink still unknown
At this stage it is not known whether the contamination of the 590ml/20fl oz Cole Cold Pear-D drink was a one-off or whether more products could be similarly affected. The incident is the subject of an ongoing investigation by Hampshire Police.
An alert issued by the Food Standards Agency (FSA), featuring images of the product, stated that the product packaging lists the manufacturer’s name as SM Jaleel & Co Ltd, Otaheite, Trinidad.
“However, the company has said that the Cole Cold Pear-D product had not been exported to the UK and that the label was last produced in September 2013 for the local Caribbean market,” the FSA said.
“Despite investigations by the enforcement authorities, it has not yet been possible to obtain any distribution details for this product. Investigations are ongoing.”
Refrain from drinking it
The FSA has advised consumers purchasing a product with an identical description in the UK to refrain from drinking it and take it to their nearest police station. It stressed they faced no risk merely from handling the bottles.
If they were unsure about similar drinks, they should contact the shop from which they bought them or, if worried, their local enforcement authority (Environmental Health or Trading Standards office), the FSA urged.
“Local authorities are requested to make contact with the relevant outlets selling Caribbean products in their area,” it added.
“If the implicated product is found, enforcement officers should ensure that the product is withdrawn from sale and retained, if necessary using powers available to them under the Food Safety Act 1990. The FSA should be notified for further advice.”
