Man poisoned from Coke drink
2006-07-11 21:05
Seoul - Police have detained a woman for allegedly lacing at least three bottles of Coca-Cola with poison in an attempt to extort the company, putting at least one man in hospital, Coca-Cola Korea Bottling Co said on Tuesday.
The company said it has recalled products in the south of the country.
The woman had posted a threat on the company's website, saying she would inject poison in to Coke products, and demanded 2bn won (US$2m; €1.7m), company spokesperson Lee Jin-young said.
One man has been hospitalised after drinking from one of the plastic bottles discovered on Sunday, Lee said.
The company said it is recalling all Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Light and Coca-Cola Zero in five southern cities - Gwangju, Hwasun and Damyang as well as parts of Gunsan and Naju - adding the recall would be complete by the end of the day.
Police said there was poison in the three bottles, the company said. Local media reports said herbicide was found, but police could not be immediately be reached to confirm this.
"We will conduct the recall right away in accordance with company guidelines that puts top priority on consumer health and safety," Coca-Cola said.
- AP