Rotting drugs put Australian police officer in a coma

One police officer is in a coma and another has lost almost 30 per cent of his lung capacity after being exposed to fumes from rotting drugs inside a police storage unit. The NSW Police Force is now facing serious claims it failed to offer basic protection to the officers who had the task of handling degraded drug exhibits up to 13 years old.

Sergeant Nader "Ralph" Hanna, 46, and Detective Senior Constable Andrew McGrath, 38, were both exposed to the strong fumes when moving a bag containing the ecstasy precursor safrole in the state's biggest crime evidence locker. The officers were among three directed in February to carry out a "drug audit" on items in evidence storage still required for court proceedings.



They claimed the "drug room" had a constant strong chemical smell and they did not have protective gear or training in handling chemicals. On March 18, the pair were moving drug bags when Sen Constable McGrath noticed a degraded bag had broken, spilling a liquid on to his hands. Sen Constable McGrath said he experienced a strong burning sensation in his throat.

Sgt Hanna, who is usually attached to the forensic services group, suffered a second exposure to drug fumes from a bag of cocaine the following week. His breathing problems worsened to the point he was coughing constantly and bringing up blood. He was rushed to Nepean Hospital last Monday with collapsed lungs and is in an induced coma, with machines helping him to breathe.



A week before his admission to hospital doctors told Sgt Hanna after a lung capacity test that he had the lungs of an 80-year-old suffering emphysema. His prognosis is unclear. Medical tests sought by Sen Constable McGrath revealed his lung capacity has been reduced by almost 30 per cent. He was prescribed steroids to rebuild his breathing capacity and his treating doctor found his inhalation of the safrole and other chemicals in the drug bag were likely to have caused a significant deterioration in his breathing.

NSW Police Association president Bob Pritchard said the police service had needlessly placed the officers in danger. "The safety of the officers was put at risk because of inadequate procedures, lack of training and poor emergency management plans," he said.