Health authorities in Victoria have issued an urgent warning after approximately 1,700 toxic poppy plants were stolen from a secret farm in Ballarat between February 14 and 16.
The stolen plants are alkaloid poppies grown for the pharmaceutical industry, containing dangerously high concentrations of thebaine and oripavine, unlike regular opioid poppies that contain sedative compounds like morphine and codeine.
According to the Victorian Health Department, thebaine does not produce pain relief, sedation, or euphoria, but stimulates the nervous system, potentially causing seizures, high body temperature, and life-threatening toxicity. Oripavine, though containing only trace amounts of opioids, can also lead to agitation, seizures, and serious complications at high doses.
Authorities warned the public to avoid contact with any dried, powdered, or liquid poppy products, including dried flower heads without petals, ground poppy material, or liquid preparations derived from the plants. Between 2022 and 2023, at least 40 people in Victoria suffered life-threatening reactions—including agitation, muscle twitching, fevers, and seizures—after consuming thebaine-contaminated poppy seed tea.
The drug antidote Naloxone can reverse only the opioid effects of oripavine and does not counteract thebaine toxicity or the stimulant effects of oripavine. Anyone experiencing toxic effects, or witnessing an adverse reaction, is urged to call Triple Zero (000) immediately.
Victoria Police strongly discouraged handling, transporting, or experimenting with the stolen plants. Investigations into the theft are ongoing.
Support services include the National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline at 1800 250 015 and Family Drug Support Australia’s 24/7 support line at 1300 368 186.
