SOUTHPORT — A former neighbour of Axel Rudakubana, the man accused of killing a woman in Southport last year, has reportedly claimed that the suspect was ordering packages to be delivered to other houses in an attempt to conceal his activities. The woman believes that these packages contained ingredients used in the production of the deadly toxin ricin.
According to the BBC, the neighbour, identified only as Caroline, stated that Rudakubana was “clearly ordering” seeds and other items used to create the poison, which were being delivered to a neighbour’s address, possibly as a decoy to avoid detection.
Ricin is a highly potent biological toxin, reportedly 6,000 times more toxic than cyanide. It was discovered during a police raid at Rudakubana’s home following a violent attack in Southport in July 2023. Investigators found evidence that the suspect had purchased the necessary materials to produce ricin as early as 2022.
The police raid revealed a sealed food container hidden under Rudakubana’s bed, which contained the ricin. Alongside the toxic substance, officers discovered equipment commonly associated with the production of poisons, including a pair of safety goggles, a lab beaker, and a pestle and mortar. Furthermore, a bag that had contained castor seeds — a primary ingredient in ricin production — was found, with records indicating it had been purchased in 2022.
The ricin found in Rudakubana’s possession was described as being in a form deemed to be of “low to very low risk.” However, the presence of this deadly substance raised significant concerns about the potential for harm.
Neighbour’s claims about cat incident
Caroline, who lived near Rudakubana in Banks, Lancashire, also recounted a disturbing incident in which she believes her pet cat came into contact with ricin. The cat reportedly began “convulsing and foaming at the mouth,” and although no toxicology tests were carried out, vets are said to have suspected that the animal had been poisoned by the deadly toxin.
The revelation of the cat’s symptoms adds another layer of complexity to the investigation and raises questions about the extent of Rudakubana’s involvement in toxic substance production and distribution.
Ricin’s deadly nature and evidence in court
At a recent court hearing, prosecutor Deanna Heer KC outlined the risks posed by ricin exposure, noting that even a small amount could lead to death through multi-organ failure or acute respiratory distress. She stated, “There is no antidote for ricin poisoning, and only a very small amount of it may be deadly.”
Ricin, a naturally occurring toxin found in castor beans, was produced by Rudakubana using equipment found in his bedroom. Dr Pearce, an expert in chemical and biological warfare agents, analysed the substance at the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory at Porton Down. He concluded that the container seized during the raid contained “actively toxic ricin pulp,” confirming that Rudakubana had made a crude preparation of the toxin.
However, the prosecution made it clear that there was no evidence to suggest the ricin had been used in the attack in Southport or at any other time. While the discovery of the toxin was alarming, there remains uncertainty regarding the intended purpose of its production.
Purchase of materials in 2022
Evidence presented in Liverpool Crown Court revealed that Rudakubana had purchased the necessary equipment and ingredients for making ricin through Amazon in early 2022. This suggests that the production of the poison had been planned well in advance of the attack.
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The court was told that the ricin discovered in Rudakubana’s home had been made in “sufficient quantities to be lethal,” though it remains unclear whether the substance was ever intended for use in a wider attack.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the full extent of Rudakubana’s activities, and further details may emerge as the case progresses. The discovery of ricin in his possession, coupled with the allegations of ordering poison-making ingredients to other addresses, paints a chilling picture of the suspect’s potential intentions.
Public health concerns and legal proceedings
The case has raised significant concerns about public safety, particularly given the highly toxic nature of ricin and the ease with which it can be produced. In light of the findings, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity.
As the investigation continues, Rudakubana faces serious charges, with the possibility of additional charges related to the possession and attempted production of biological weapons. The case is expected to have wide-reaching implications, both for public health and for the ongoing efforts to combat the illegal production of toxic substances.
In the meantime, Caroline’s testimony and the ongoing court proceedings will continue to shed light on the full extent of Rudakubana’s activities and the dangers posed by the toxic substance he is accused of producing.
