31 Aug 2010

Warning issued over stolen vet drugs

12:35 pm on 31 August 2010

Police have issued a warning about the dangers of drugs used for animals after break-ins at two veterinary clinics in Kaitaia.

Thieves took pentobarbital, a sedative, and ketamine, an anaesthetic, from the Top Vets clinic last month.

They also burgled a vet clinic at Mangonui, but left empty-handed.

Police are concerned that the stolen drugs may now be in circulation.

They say pentobarbital is used for euthanasing larger animals and as little as 2mg will kill a human.

Ketamine has been used in date-rape cases and can trigger hallucinations and heart problems.