A 43‑year‑old Golden Bay woman was arrested after Western Australian police found metaldehyde pellets in a co‑worker's curry that had been served in February in Perth's southern suburbs.
The incident began when a 58‑year‑old employee brought homemade curry to share during a morning tea break; colleagues ate without complaint until the next day when the victim noticed bright green granules scattered in the dish and tasted a small amount, finding her tongue numbed instantly.
Police traced the suspect to a chemical storage shed, then into the staff room where the curry container was left unattended; investigators noted that the two women knew each other personally and had been involved in a relationship, a detail that helped link the suspect to the scene.
Lab testing confirmed the granules were snail pellets containing metaldehyde, a highly poisonous compound capable of severe injury or death.
The suspect has been formally charged with performing an unlawful act or omission with the intent to harm, specifically endangering the life, health or safety of another person, Commissioner Col Blanch said, adding that the poison can cause serious injury or death.
The victim, who had shared the curry, handed the meal over to detectives immediately, ensuring her safety and aiding the investigation.