Hong Kong toddler in hospital after ingesting methamphetamine at home
Hong Kong Free Press
A three-year-old Hong Kong girl is being treated in hospital after she accidentally ingested the illegal drug methamphetamine at her home, police have said.
The toddler was suspected to have accidentally taken the drug in the Tung Chau public housing estate flat she lived in, police told HKFP on Thursday after an initial investigation.
The case was now under further investigation and had been classified as “child abuse or neglect involving the children or juveniles under care.” No arrests have been made so far. The girl’s mother was believed to be a drug user, local media reported citing sources.
The girl’s father took her to Princess Margaret Hospital on September 19 after she developed a high fever. Medical social workers suggested a urine test, which revealed the presence of methamphetamine. Her condition was unknown as of Thursday.
HKFP has reached out the Hospital Authority for further updates.
According to the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, it is an offence to illegally manufacture, supply or possess methamphetamine in Hong Kong.
Earlier this year, two girls were sent to hospital after accidentally ingesting sweets containing Cannabidiol (CBD). Their father was charged in June with child abuse or neglect.
CBD was classified as a dangerous drug in Hong Kong in February 1. Trafficking and sales of substances in contravention of the law will see a maximum penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of H$5 million.
Increasing cases of child abuse
Hong Kong has seen an increasing trend of child abuse over the past three years.
A total of 704 cases of child abuse were recorded for the first half year of 2023, an increase of nearly 84 per cent compared to the same period in 2020, according to the Social Welfare Department.
In the United States, a one-year-old boy died at a New York City nursery after a suspected fentanyl overdose on September 15. Three other children were hospitalised. Police said the fentanyl was hidden in the nap room under a mat as he slept.
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