Drug injection nearly costs man his life

A man who nearly died on a Rotorua street after apparently injecting himself with prescription medicine has been arrested.

The 44-year-old was found unconscious about 8pm on Thursday on Haupapa St by a passer-by who resuscitated the man and called 111.

Vials of prescription medicine and needles were found next to the man on the ground.

Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Loper, of Rotorua, said the passer-by's actions saved the Hamilton man's life.

Police believe he collapsed after injecting himself.

St John paramedics took over CPR and raced the man to Rotorua Hospital's emergency department where he was treated.

He was also arrested at the hospital.

Mr Loper said the man had been charged with possessing drugs which normally required a prescription.

The man will appear in the Rotorua District Court next week charged with unlawful possession of prescription medicine.