Perth woman charged for allegedly poisoning colleague's curry with snail pellets

A 43-year-old woman in Perth, Western Australia, has been charged after allegedly contaminating a colleague's curry with snail poison. The incident occurred in February at a workplace in the southern suburbs of Perth.

According to police, a 58-year-old woman brought curry to share with her coworkers during a morning break, which was consumed without issue. However, when the victim returned to eat the remaining food at lunchtime, she noticed bright green granules in the sauce. Upon tasting a small amount, she experienced numbness in her tongue.

Investigators allege that the accused, who was in a personal relationship with the victim, accessed a chemical storage shed before entering the staff lunchroom to mix the pellets into the food. The pellets were identified as containing metaldehyde, a neurotoxic pesticide used to combat slugs and snails.

Western Australia Police Commissioner Col Blanch stated that authorities are thankful the victim noticed the discrepancy before serious harm occurred. The suspect was arrested in Golden Bay on October 8 and faces one count of an unlawful act or omission with intent to harm, specifically endangering the life, health, or safety of another person. She is scheduled to appear in Armadale Magistrates Court on November 5.