Woman charged with poisoning colleague’s curry using snail pellets in Perth workplace

Consensus Summary

A 43-year-old woman has been charged with deliberately poisoning a colleague’s curry using snail pellets laced with the neurotoxin metaldehyde at a workplace in Oldbury, south of Perth. The incident unfolded on February 12, when the victim, a 58-year-old woman, brought a container of curry to share with coworkers during a morning tea break. Initially, the food was consumed without incident, but later that day, the victim discovered bright green granules in the curry and experienced numbness in her tongue after tasting it. Police allege the accused accessed a chemical storage shed and tampered with the food between the morning and lunch breaks. The victim retained the contaminated curry and handed it over to authorities, who confirmed the presence of metaldehyde, a substance known to cause severe neurological symptoms.

The case stems from a personal relationship between the two women, though police have declined to provide further details about their connection. Investigators determined that the accused had intentionally added the poisonous pellets to the curry, likely in an attempt to harm her colleague. The discovery of the granules and the victim’s immediate reaction—numbness and potential exposure to metaldehyde—highlighted the seriousness of the act. Police Commissioner Col Blanch emphasized the potential for severe injury, noting that the victim’s quick recognition of the contamination prevented worse consequences. The incident has also reignited debates about the dangers of metaldehyde, a chemical commonly used in snail pellets that poses risks to humans, pets, and wildlife.

The accused was arrested on October 8 and is due to face Armadale Magistrates Court on November 5. All three sources confirm the charge, though the legal phrasing varies slightly—7NEWS and the Guardian describe it as an 'unlawful act with intent to harm,' while ABC frames it as 'endangering the life, health, or safety of a person.' The victim’s swift action in preserving the food and seeking medical attention after tasting it played a critical role in identifying the poison. Murdoch University toxicologist Garth Maker, cited by 7NEWS, warned that metaldehyde exposure can lead to 'shake and bake' syndrome, characterized by severe tremors and high body temperature, though the severity depends on the amount ingested. Maker also stressed the heightened risk to pets and native wildlife, advocating for a ban on metaldehyde-based products.

While the core details of the incident are consistent across all sources, minor differences emerge in framing and emphasis. The Guardian and ABC both describe the location as 'Oldbury, south of Perth,' though ABC specifies it as 'south-east' of the city, a distinction not made by 7NEWS. Additionally, 7NEWS provides more context about the broader debate over metaldehyde, including a 2025 parliamentary petition calling for its ban, whereas the other sources focus primarily on the legal and immediate health implications. The accused’s motive remains unclear beyond the personal relationship, and no source suggests further details about the workplace or the nature of their connection will be disclosed publicly.

The case is now awaiting court proceedings on November 5, with no further developments expected until that time. Police have not provided additional information about the relationship or the workplace, leaving some aspects of the incident unresolved. The victim’s quick response and the preservation of evidence were pivotal in linking the contamination to the accused. As the legal process unfolds, the incident may also serve as a case study in the dangers of metaldehyde, particularly in domestic and workplace settings, where such substances are accessible. The outcome of the court appearance could influence ongoing discussions about regulating or banning metaldehyde-based products in Australia.