Fiji deputy prime minister Viliame Gavoka says no methanol or ‘illicit substances’ in poisonous cocktails
Fiji’s deputy prime minister has revealed fresh details about the cocktails that poisoned four Aussies, claiming methanol was not present.
The cocktails that left seven tourists in hospital, including four Australians, did not contain methanol or “illicit substances”, Fiji’s deputy prime minister has said.
Fiji Deputy Prime Minister Viliame Gavoka, in a press conference from Wednesday, said the toxicology report into the alcohol samples showed “no illicit substances or methanol” in the ingredients.
“I can confirm that no illicit substances or methanol were found in the ingredients or liquor samples,” he said.
“All of the affected tourists and the locals have now been discharged from medical care, fully recovered. This is a significant relief.
“No tourist wants to end their holiday in illness and we are sorry that their holiday ended on such a note.”
The poisoning struck the Warwick Resort on Saturday, with seven people falling ill after drinking pina coladas at a crowded bar.
Four Australians were rushed to hospital, but all have since returned back home to Australia, with the last flight touching home on Wednesday evening.
Some affected tourists experienced seizures, vomiting and nausea.
DFAT released a warning about drink spiking in the popular Pacific tourist destination following the incident.
“Be alert to the potential risks around drink spiking and methanol poisoning through consuming alcoholic drinks,” the agency’s smart-traveller advice stated in a recent update.
“Don’t leave food or drinks unattended, and pay attention when your drinks are being mixed.”
On Wednesday, Mr Gavoka stressed Fiji was a “safe” choice for international travellers and said repeatedly the toxicology had delivered “great news” to the country.
“No evidence of alcohol poisoning is great news for Fiji, especially for our vital tourism industry,” he said.
“Fiji is and continues to be a safe and reliable destination for travellers.”
“As we have emphasised throughout this situation, Fiji upholds the highest standards when it comes to food, beverages and overall safety.
“The health and wellbeing of our visitors remains our top priority.”
The Fiji government sent the samples offshore for testing and the cause of the poisoning has yet to be identified.
Fijian Health Secretary James Tudravu said the results of the report were “very encouraging” but added he could not yet detail the cause of the poisoning.
“From the ministry of health perspective, we are still investigating,” he said.
“There are many causes of the symptoms they presented with. Nausea and vomiting.”
He said the “component” of the drink the impacted tourists had consumed did not contain illicit drugs or any excess alcohol.
He said the ministry would inform the patients of the results first before releasing them to the media.
Fijian officials have stated the bartender working on the night had 16 years’ experience.
Mr Gavoka said there was no indication of cancellations following the incident.
More than 400,000 Australians visit the small Pacific nation each year.
The incident is redolent of the horrific mass poisoning event that struck the tourist hotspot of Vang Vieng in Laos last month.
Two Australians, Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, died after reportedly consuming cocktails laced with methanol at a hostel.
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