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CHRIS SKELTON / THINGS
Synthetic drugs have caused a series of deaths in New Zealand in recent years. (File photo)
A man who died in broad daylight in Auckland’s CBD died from taking synthetic drugs, a coroner ruled.
Oliver Dwayne Manukau, 41, died on a footpath on Queen St on August 4, 2018.
A member of the public had been walking down the street around 1:15 p.m. when they noticed him collapse.
Despite attempts at CPR, he was pronounced dead at the scene.
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A just released forensic report said Manukau died of AMB-FUBINACA toxicity.
AMB-FUBINACA is a synthetic cannabinoid and is one of the deadliest illicit substances to emerge in New Zealand in recent years.
MORNING REPORT / RNZ
Synthetic drugs continue to claim lives. Interim figures from the coroner show that since 2017, the drug has killed between 70 and 75 people (first published in September 2019).
In addition to the death of Manukau, he is believed to be responsible for other deaths between 2017 and 2019.
Just three months ago, health experts raised an urgent warning that the substance had made a comeback in New Zealand. It was detected in Northland, Bay of Plenty and Christchurch.
Coroner Erin Woolley said a toxicology test of blood taken during Manukau’s autopsy found AMB-FUBINACA, AMB-FUBINACA acid and amiodarone in his system.
123rf
AMB-FUBINACA, a substance used to make synthetics, recently re-emerged in New Zealand (file photo).
Medical professionals determined AMB-FUBINACA’s toxicity, as well as heart conditions, myocarditis, and hypertensive arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which caused its death.
Police had found three bags of synthetic materials, along with drug utensils, in his car five months before his death.
“The police have told my investigation that, as a result of the examination of the scene and subsequent investigations, and in the absence of further information to the contrary, they are convinced that there are no suspicious or adverse circumstances surrounding Mr. . Manukau, “Coroner Woolley said.
Manukau did not have a permanent address. His last known addresses were a Salvation Army hostel in Epsom and a hostel in the center of town.
His father, Dain Manukau, said he had not seen his son since late 2017 when he picked him up from Middlemore Hospital and was told that Manukau had a heart problem.
Dain Manukau said his son never provided further details about his condition.
Coroner Woolley said he would not make any recommendations after Manukau’s death, as Coroner Morag McDowell is conducting a joint investigation into the synthetic drug deaths.
