Pioneer Press is latest to get fake anthrax package

Last update: November 1, 2008 - 9:21 PM

The St. Paul Pioneer Press newspaper received a suspicious package labeled "anthrax" Saturday, but initial tests have determined the white powder is sugar, police reported.

St. Paul police spokesman Pete Crum said the material will still be sent on to the FBI, U.S. Postal Service and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for investigation.

The envelope contained a CD with a photo of Gen. Colin Powell labeled "Anthrax Shock and Awe Terror" and a white, sugar-like package taped to the top labeled "Anthrax" and "Biohazard."

He said the package was received late Saturday afternoon and by 6 p.m. fire investigators had determined the substance was sugar.

Saturday's incident was the latest in a string of mailings that have hit newspapers around the country, including the Star Tribune, which received a similar package Thursday.

Last week a California man was arrested by the FBI on suspicion of sending more than 100 news media outlets hoax letters labeled with "anthrax."

Crum said no one was injured and no arrests were made Saturday in the St. Paul incident.

HERÓN MÁRQUEZ ESTRADA

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