Belgian Prime Minister receives letters containing toxic powder

The incident took place on November 22, 2024. But the Belgian prosecutor's office disclosed it only after the analysis of the suspicious powder was completed. The letter contained strychnine, a toxic substance that can be fatally dangerous if ingested and can cause skin irritation upon contact.

"She (the employee - ed.) was opening the letter and injured subsequently. She was then taken to hospital and no one else was hurt," said Barend Leyts, Alexander De Croo's spokesperson.

He added that the incident shocked the Prime Minister and the staff. The affected employee is currently feeling well. All necessary precautions have been taken to prevent further harm.

Three such letters in total were sent to the Prime Minister's office: on November 20 and 22, as well as December 9. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspects have been arrested at this stage.

Strychnine is a highly toxic natural substance derived from the seeds of certain plant species, including the strychnine tree (Strychnos nux-vomica). It is an alkaloid with a potent stimulating effect on the central nervous system, especially the spinal cord. Due to its toxicity, even small doses of strychnine can cause convulsions, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

In the past, strychnine was used as a rodenticide and as a medical stimulant in small doses. However, its use in medicine and daily life has been significantly restricted due to the high risk of poisoning. It is banned in many countries as it's lethal, even with minor overdoses.

In July of last year, a letter containing the plague virus was sent to the French Ministry of the Interior, addressed to the head of the department.

The suspicious letter was detected and intercepted on Saturday, July 27, at a postal sorting center. It contained a suspicious black powder, prompting an investigation.