An Australian woman has been charged with allegedly spiking a co-worker’s homemade curry with toxic snail bait in Western Australia.
The incident occurred in February when a 58-year-old employee brought the curry to share with colleagues during a morning break. When she returned to finish the leftovers at lunchtime, she noticed bright green pellets in the container and experienced sudden numbness in her tongue after taking a bite.
Police launched a months-long investigation into the incident, which led to the identification of a 43-year-old woman who was in a personal relationship with the victim.
Investigators established that the suspect had visited a chemical storage area shortly before entering the staffroom where the food was kept. Laboratory tests later confirmed the presence of metaldehyde, a toxic chemical commonly used in snail and slug bait.
Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch warned that ingesting the substance could cause severe organ damage or death. He also commended the victim for stopping after noticing the unusual pellets and experiencing the physical reaction.
Police said officers collected the contaminated food container for laboratory analysis and spent several months reviewing security footage, interviewing employees who were in the building that morning and examining access records for the facility’s chemical storage area.
The investigation sought to establish how the toxic pellets ended up in the victim’s food.
The 43-year-old has been charged with endangering life, health or safety and is expected to appear in court on November 5.
Police have not publicly identified the accused woman.
Metaldehyde poisoning can cause serious neurological symptoms, including seizures, and may lead to life-threatening complications depending on the amount ingested.
The case is expected to proceed to court, where the allegations will be examined.