Helicopters Otago has revealed that the stolen medication could have had life-threatening consequences for a patient in need of urgent medical attention if it had gone unnoticed while the helicopter was in operation.
Both Southern District Police and Helicopters Otago have come together to issue a stern warning to the culprits responsible for breaking into the helicopter at Taieri Airfield and stealing essential medical supplies, including drugs from the aircraft’s medical stores.
Graeme Gale, the CEO of Helicopters Otago, expressed grave concern over the theft of a medical supplies bag from the Queenstown rescue helicopter, which had just transported a critically ill patient to Dunedin Hospital before being grounded at Taieri Airfield due to adverse weather conditions.
Acting Area Investigations Manager Detective Sergeant Hayden Smale emphasized the seriousness of the theft, highlighting the potential dangers posed not only to air ambulance patients but also to anyone who might mistakenly consume the stolen drugs for recreational purposes.
Authorities are urging caution and vigilance from the public, as the combination or dosage of these stolen medications could prove fatal. The investigation into the burglary is ongoing, with police urging anyone with information to come forward and assist in identifying the perpetrators.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact police at 105 and quote reference number 250112/9460. Alternatively, you can share information anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
