The 23-year-old victim and a friend fell ill after buying chewing gum from a trader in Ilford last month. Her 21-year-old girlfriend recovered but the elderly woman died at the hospital on Saturday. A man was arrested and charged with possession with intent to supply Class B synthetic cannabinoids, with supply of synthetic cannabinoids and possession with intent to supply psychotropic substance. He was taken into custody by police on Friday. Police said the suspect was in possession of a large amount of cash and what is believed to be edible cannabis products. The Metropolitan Police said that the woman who died had arranged to buy the sweets through a messaging application on her phone. They were delivered to her house. The force said in a statement: “The woman and a 21-year-old friend ate a sweet and both immediately felt unwell. Ambulance officers and colleagues were called to an address at South Park Drive, Ilford around 11:30 pm on March 29. Both women were taken to a hospital in east London. “Unfortunately, the 23-year-old woman died at the hospital on Saturday, April 2. The identity of the woman has not been made known at this time “. Officers located a number of the sweets – which came in a package labeled “Trrlli Peachie O’s” – and sent them for testing. The Met said the case may be linked to another incident in March where a woman was taken to hospital after eating a cannabis cake at Tower Hamlets. He has since been discharged and police are investigating to determine if the sweet was from the same lot involved in Ilford’s death. Chief Superintendent Stuart Bell of Met’s East Area Headquarters said: “I need to warn the public not to take in illegal substances, including those packaged in the form of cannabis sweets. “Please do not buy or consume these products. They are illegal and, due to their child-friendly packaging, may carry a risk of accidental consumption. “Drug traffickers are harming communities and endangering the safety of individuals. We will take positive steps to target those involved in this activity as well as those in possession of these substances. “Anyone with information about people selling illegal products such as these should be contacted by local officers, the police on 101 or, to remain anonymous, the Crimestoppers.”
