Thursday, March 28, 2024

Police appeal to blackmailer

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A priority investigation into a terror threat to poison milk products is underway even though it might be a hoax, police say.
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"Whilst there is a possibility that this threat is a hoax, we must treat the threat seriously and a priority investigation is underway," deputy commissioner of national operations Mike Clement said.

Threats were made to Fonterra and Federated Farmers to poison the products unless 1080 use was banned by the end of March. The threats contained milk powder laced with lethal doses of 1080.

"We therefore encourage the letter writer to come forward to Police. The letter writer may not have really considered the implications of their actions when this communication was drafted.

“Now is the time to put this right by picking up the phone and calling us,” Clement said.

"At present a large number of resources are being directed to this multi-faceted investigation which involves a number of specialist groups and support agencies.

"We are pursuing a number of lines of inquiry and are also at the point where the public's help is being sought.

"If anyone has any information which might assist Police then we want to hear from you.

“You might be aware of someone who has strong views on the 1080 issue and made threats or has discussed how to access supplies of 1080.

"Even if you are unsure whether this information will be helpful we still want you to contact the inquiry team so they can make that assessment,” Clement said.

Anyone with information should contact the inquiry team on 0800 723 665 or email opconcord@police.govt.nz. Alternatively information can always be disclosed anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Blackmail is an offence under the Crimes Act with a penalty of 14 years jail.

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