Woman charged with contaminating coworker's curry with poisonous snail pellets

In February, a container of curry was brought to a workplace in Perth’s southern suburbs for staff to share. Investigators allege a 43-year-old woman entered a chemical storage area, retrieved snail pellets containing the poison metaldehyde, and later placed them into the curry. The dish was consumed without incident during a morning break, but a coworker who returned to eat more at lunchtime saw green granules and experienced tongue numbness after a small taste.

Police arrested the suspect last week and charged her with one count of unlawful act or omission with intent to harm. She is due to appear before Armadale Magistrates Court on November 5. Authorities have not disclosed further details about the personal relationship between the two women or the employer.