1080 threat could land in High Court

A sign warning supermarket customers of increased in-store security is pictured on March 10, 2015 in Auckland, New Zealand. Photo / Getty

The man allegedly behind threats to contaminate infant formula with the poison 1080 may end up before the High Court.

He faces two charges of blackmail but cannot be named for at least six months because of a suppression order.

Charging documents allege the action was financially motivated.

During a brief appearance in Manukau District Court today, the defendant's former counsel Hugh Leabourn was replaced by John Billington, QC.

Judge David Harvey said there had been some discussion about the matter being elevated to the High Court because of the seriousness of the allegations.

The accused was remanded in custody without plea until November 6.

A criminal investigation started when letters were sent to Fonterra and Federated Farmers in November last year threatening to poison infant formula if New Zealand did not stop using the pest-control poison by the end of March this year.

The public was told of the threat in March and formula was taken from supermarket shelves and held securely to prevent contamination.

In what became known as Operation Concord, 60 people were considered of significant interest and approached to be interviewed by police.

More than 2600 people were considered over the course of the investigation, which cost police $3 million, police Commissioner Mike Bush revealed when the man was arrested two weeks ago.

Police said they believed the arrested man acted alone and no one else has been charged.

However, several company names have also been suppressed by the court.

According to court documents, the man "threatened expressly to endanger the safety of any person, namely infants, by releasing infant milk formula into the Chinese market contaminated with traces of 1080, with intent to cause Federated Farmers Incorporated to act in accordance with the will of [the man] to cause Federated Farmers to pressure the New Zealand Government to stop the use of 1080 in New Zealand".

Blackmail is punishable by up to 14 years' jail.

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