Tasmanian woman accused of sending poisoned coffees to ex-partner

A Tasmanian woman stands accused of a "targeted attack" after allegedly poisoning coffees and sending them to her former partner. The 43-year-old, from South Launceston, faces two counts of attempting to unlawfully administer poison with intent to harm.

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The victim has received the initial coffee, found it to be unusual, and reported the matter to police and that's what's provoked the investigation.

Police allege the woman purchased the coffees, tampered with them, and then used the Airtasker app to arrange their delivery. The intended victim, a 47-year-old man, reportedly did not consume the first coffee and alerted authorities. This action prompted a months-long investigation by Tasmania Police.

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Police will allege … the woman has caused several coffees to be sent to an ex-partner of hers, that she had tampered with and put an unknown substance into, with the intent to cause him some physical harm.

Inspector Aleena Crack described the case as "unusual" and "rare" for Tasmania. She stated that police have "early indications" of the substance used but are awaiting full forensic analysis. The delivery individuals are not suspected of any involvement, as police believe they were unaware of the alleged scheme.

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At this stage, police don't believe the delivery people were aware.

The accused woman was taken into custody and is scheduled to appear before the Launceston Magistrates Court. The investigation is ongoing as authorities work to determine the exact nature of the substance and the full circumstances surrounding the alleged poisoning attempts.

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Not one I see often and not something we see regularly in Tasmania, so it is an unusual case.