The use of a black-market drug in the Auckland area that has caused deaths overseas has sparked a warning from Associate Health Minister Peter Dunne.
Mr Dunne said tests on the psychoactive substance by the Institute of Environmental Science and Research (ESR) suggested it may be MDMB-CHMICA, previously unknown in New Zealand.
The synthetic cannabinoid - which is usually smoked - has been responsible for reported serious adverse reactions overseas, Mr Dunne said.
"This substance has contributed to, or been directly responsible for, at least six deaths in Europe and I am extremely concerned to hear that it has made its way to New Zealand.
"It is precisely this sort of situation that a regulated market under the Psychoactive Substances Act was designed to avoid."
Mr Dunne said there are currently no approved psychoactive products or licences to retail, and the distribution, sale and possession of them is illegal.
"If people are aware of these, or any other psychoactive products being made available, they should contact Police to report it as soon as possible."