Vic lead poisoning cases linked to opium

Contaminated opium has left at least four men in Melbourne with lead poisoning, according to Victoria's health department.

The men who had smoked or ingested contaminated opium since June were found to have lead poisoning, according to Victoria's deputy chief health officer Dr Angie Bone.

"The illicit opium is thought to have come from overseas but was purchased in Australia and is in the form of a dark resin or paste," the department's alert read.