Letters containing toxic powder were sent to the Prime Minister of Belgium, resulting in injuries.

The Prime Minister of Belgium, Alexander De Croo, received letters containing a toxic substance from an unknown sender. One of his subordinates was hospitalized.

This was reported by RBK-Ukraine citing Politico.

According to the publication, the incident occurred on November 22, 2024. However, the Belgian prosecutor's office made it public only after the analysis results of the suspicious powder were revealed. It turned out that the letter contained strychnine. This toxic substance can be deadly if ingested and may cause skin irritation upon contact.

"The employee opened the letter and subsequently felt unwell. She was then taken to the hospital; no one else was harmed," explained Alexander De Croo's representative, Barend Leits.

He stated that the incident shocked the Prime Minister and his office staff. It is also known that the affected employee is now feeling well. All necessary measures have been taken to prevent any further harm.

Additionally, it has been reported that a total of three letters were sent to the Prime Minister's office: on November 20 and 22, as well as December 9. The investigation is still ongoing, and no suspects have been arrested at this stage.

Strychnine is a highly active poison of natural origin derived from the seeds of certain plant species, particularly from the Strychnos nux-vomica tree. It belongs to the alkaloids and exerts a strong stimulating effect on the central nervous system, especially on the spinal cord. Due to its toxicity, even in small doses, strychnine can cause convulsions, respiratory failure, and cardiac arrest.

Strychnine was historically used as a rodenticide and as a medical stimulant in small doses. However, due to the high risk of poisoning, its use in medicine and household applications is significantly restricted. It is banned in many countries due to the lethal danger even from slight overdoses.

Previously, we reported that in July of last year, a letter containing a plague virus was sent to the French Ministry of the Interior. It was addressed to the head of the department.

The suspicious letter was discovered and intercepted on Saturday, July 27, at a sorting center in the postal service. A suspicious black powder was found inside, which led to an investigation.