Australian Woman Charged With Poisoning Colleague's Curry
A months-long investigation culminated in charges against a woman accused of lacing a co-worker's meal with snail poison, authorities said.
An Australian woman has been charged with endangering the life, health, or safety of another person after allegedly lacing a colleague's curry with snail poison. The incident occurred in February in the state of Western Australia.
According to police, the alleged victim prepared a meal for her co-workers, which they shared during morning tea. Later, when the 58-year-old returned to eat leftovers for lunch, she observed bright green granules in the food. After tasting it, she reported that her tongue felt numb.
The alleged victim then handed the meal over to detectives, who identified the substance as snail pellets containing metaldehyde, a poisonous compound. Police Commissioner Col Blanch stated that the poison can cause serious injury or death. "We're just very thankful that the person who tasted the curry was aware of something that wasn't quite right," Blanch told reporters, according to the Seven Network.
The accused, a 43-year-old woman who was reportedly in a relationship with the alleged victim, has been charged following a months-long investigation. Authorities allege she visited a chemical storage shed before returning to the staffroom where the curry was stored. She is scheduled to appear in court on November 5.
The investigation involved months of inquiry before the charges were laid.