Pills withdrawn in poison threat

SmithKline Beecham: One of the world's leading drugs firms

British pharmaceutical company SmithKline Beecham is recalling many of its painkiller products in Australia after two people were apparently poisoned.

Last week, the company withdrew its Panadol capsules from sale after it received a blackmail threat.

But a couple bought the tablets and are said to be suffering from strychnine poisoning.

Earlier this year another drugs company withdrew a wide range of products after a poisoning and blackmail attempt.

Australian police said a 61-year-old man and his 54-year-old wife were in stable condition in a hospital in the northern Australian city of Darwin after suffering strychnine poisoning.

Earlier threats

In a statement, SmithKline Beecham said: "An immediate recall of all Panadol and Panadeine products is now under way."

"While there is no reason to suggest that any other product in our range is under threat of contamination, the reality for SmithKline Beecham is that it can not tolerate any risk whatsoever to consumers."

The company has not released details of the blackmail threat.

In March, unlisted Australian drugs company Herron Pharmaceuticals withdrew a wide range of paracetamol products after a poisoning and extortion attempt.