The Whanganui-based state-owned company which imports 1080 poison and manufactures baits for aerial drops said yesterday it was pleased it had been cleared of "any shadow of doubt" about its involvement in the blackmail threat to contaminate infant formula with the poison.
Animal Control Products (ACP) yesterday congratulated the policeon bringing charges against an Auckland man who made the threat. Chief executive William McCook said the blackmail threat had cast a shadow over the conservation and pest control sectors, and the industry was pleased to see the matter being sorted.
Although anti-1080 lobbyists were interviewed by police, they noted that the poison used was in raw form, which they said was only available from a source close to the manufacturer.
Mr McCook said he looked forward to seeing the alleged blackmailer named and dealt with. ACP was pleased to assist the police in their inquiry, particularly with some of the technical and historical aspects of the investigation and police had done "an exemplary job".
The Ministry for Primary Industries' approach to protecting consumers and ensuring infant formula was safe was also well co-ordinated. "They have brought to justice the perpetrator of a crime that has cost the country millions of dollars and had the potential to cause huge damage both to our export dairy industry and to our ability to protect our environment from pests," he said. The Greymouth Star
