Article: Shops hiding poppy seed

A Nelson bulk food store keeps poppy seed behind the counter to stop drug addicts from stealing it to brew up an opiate tea.

Other wholesalers and retailers around the country are also hiding the seed under the counter or even refusing to sell it because of its abuse by addicts.

Some shops have taken out trespass orders against specific customers who insist on buying large quantities of the seed but some small stores are cashing in on the behaviour and buying poppy seed in bulk to break down into 500g packs for users.

Wellington doctors working with substance abusers have said poppy seed tea is "clearly an opiate of abuse'' causing or maintaining narcotic dependency.

The abuse of poppy ...

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