A TWO-YEAR-OLD boy was left fighting for his life after large amounts of cannabis were found in his system - with a police investigation now underway.
The Irish News has learned the toddler was admitted to intensive care in the Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children during the past fortnight and was placed on a ventilator as a result of accidentally ingesting the drug.
Police last night confirmed that five adults have been arrested since Sunday on suspicion of child cruelty.
Detectives also carried out a search of the child's home following an alert by health authorities.
It is understood the little boy's condition has stabilised. The Belfast trust would not comment on the case due to patient confidentiality.
A PSNI spokesman confirmed: "In response to a report of alleged child cruelty, police arrested a 25-year-old male and 20-year-old female on 13 June. During a follow-up search of a residential property, a number of items were recovered for examination including a quantity of tablets, medication and drugs paraphernalia.
"During follow-up enquires, a 51-year-old female, 28-year-old male and 27-year-old female were also arrested on suspicion of child cruelty on 14 June. Each of the people arrested have subsequently been released pending further enquiry."
The incident follows a warning to schools earlier this month about dangerous colourful sweets containing cannabis oil.
A nine-year-old girl was rushed to the Royal's A&E department for treatment after mistakenly eating one.
Department of Education officials issued the formal warning about the 'sweets' which, although stating they contain cannabis-based oil, are packaged in bags similar to well known brands.
Sources say there has been an increase in the number of young children hospitalised due to drug ingestation.
The Public Health Agency (PHA) stated it was aware of the "emerging issue" and was working with its partner organisations to raise awareness.
Michael Owen, agency lead for drug and alcohol, issued a plea to parents and carers to "seek medical help urgently and without delay" if they become aware a child has swallowed an unknown substance.
"If they have any remaining substance that they haven’t swallowed, remove it from them and safely bring this with you to the hospital as it may help to determine what they have taken," he said.
"We can’t always be aware of what our children are doing when they are not with us, so I would encourage all parents and guardians to talk to them about the dangers of drugs and alcohol. Don’t wait until there is a problem, talk to them now.
"For younger children, keep it simple. Tell them not to swallow anything if they don’t know what it is and even if someone that they know has given it to them, still don’t take it".