UPDATE June 2 7.15am AEST: The Brazilian media is claiming that missing Tasmanian man Rye Hunt used recreational drugs in the lead up to his disappearance.
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It is being alleged that Mr Hunt took a drug local to the area, which caused him extreme paranoia and anxiety.
Mr Hunt’s family – of whom his uncle Michael and partner Bonnie have just arrived in Rio De Janeiro – has strongly denied these allegations, which arose at a Brazilian press conference.
A statement from his family said the Mr Hunt’s job in the mining industry required regular tests for illegal substances, and that he had never failed such a test.
There has been a number of sightings of Mr Hunt reported to police in Rio De Janeiro, and unverified leads and sightings continued to be followed up.
JUNE 1: Brazilian authorities have confirmed that a phone, wallet and bank cards were among the items found that belong to missing Tasmanian man Rye Hunt.
Mr Hunt, age 25, was last seen on May 21 at the Galeao International Airport, Rio, in Brazil.
On Tuesday, it was confirmed that he booked and checked into an apartment at Copacabana later that day.
Earlier this week, police located some of his personal items, which has recently been confirmed to include an iPhone 6, a wallet, bank cards, a laptop, camera, and clothing.
Police in Rio de Janeiro are exploring several avenues as part of there investigations to find Mr Hunt.
Mr Hunt’s uncle Michael and partner Bonnie are set to arrive in Rio de Janeiro this week, and will meet with AFP officials, the Consul-General, and Brazilian authorities.
His family on Wednesday released images of Mr Hunt’s belongings that were found in his Copacabana apartment, as well as travel photos and a short video.