Police arrest strawberry industry worker over fruit sabotage

SYDNEY, Australia – Police have made their first arrest in the cases of strawberry sabotage in Australia, in which sewing needles were found in fruit sold in six states.

Police in Queensland state say they’ve arrested 50-year-old My Ut Trinh and charged her with seven counts of goods contamination.

Detective John Walker of the State Crime Command said she worked in the strawberry industry near the town of Caboolture, north of Brisbane.

She was due to appear in court Monday. Each count against her carries a maximum 10-year prison sentence.

Australia’s strawberry industry was devastated after recalls of the fruit were ordered following the initial needle discovery in September and several others believed to be copycat actions.

No injuries were reported.