In brief
An Australian woman has been charged after she allegedly laced a coworker’s curry with snail poison, discovered as bright green flakes that left the victim’s tongue numb. Police say she stole the toxic pellets from a chemical shed and infiltrated the staffroom before the incident. The 58‑year‑old accused will stand trial in November, while the case highlights safety lapses in workplace food handling. Officials warn that the poison can cause serious injury or death, and praise the victim for noticing something was wrong.
An Australian woman faces charges after allegedly lacing a colleague’s curry with toxic snail pellets.
Police in Western Australia say the food, served in February, was dyed bright green and caused the victim’s tongue to numb when she tasted it.
Investigations reveal that the accused, who shared a relationship with the victim, retrieved the poison from a chemical shed and placed it in the staffroom before the incident.
The poisonous substance, metaldehyde, is used in snail bait and can cause serious injury or death – authorities urge anyone who tastes something odd to act fast.
The 58‑year‑old will appear in court on 5 November, where prosecutors will argue she endangers the life, health or safety of another person.">
