The man allegedly responsible for last year’s 1080 milk contamination threats – whose name will remain suppressed for at least six months – could end up before the High Court, due to the seriousness of the allegations. He faces two charges of blackmail, a crime that is punishable by up to 14 years in jail. According to court documents, his actions were financially motivated.
In November last year, Fonterra and Federated Farmers received anonymous letters threatening to poison infant formula with 1080, if New Zealand did not stop using the same pest-control by March 2015. Formula was then taken from supermarket shelves and held securely. Meanwhile a massive $3 million investigation took place, with over 2600 people being considered and 60 being interrogated.
Police believe the arrested man acted alone.
