Government: "No Hazardous Substances Found in 'Suspected Poison Package'... No Terrorism Suspicion"

Interpol and Other International Investigation Agencies
Cooperative Investigation Underway
Tracking the Origin of Mail Items

As suspicious poison packages were randomly distributed to 2,141 locations nationwide, prompting a joint government response, the State Affairs Coordination Office Anti-Terrorism Center officially announced that “no connection to terrorism has been found so far.” It explained that no chemical, biological, or radioactive hazardous substances were detected, and the employees who complained of dizziness and breathing difficulties after opening the mail showed no abnormalities and were discharged from the hospital.

According to Jeju Province and Jeju Police Agency on the 21st, at around 8:50 PM the previous day, Mr. A, residing in Jeju City, reported that he had "received a suspicious package."

On the 24th, the Anti-Terrorism Center of the State Affairs Coordination Office released a press statement regarding the incident at a welfare facility for the disabled in Ulsan, first reported on the 20th, stating, “The primary test results showed no detection of chemical, biological, or radioactive substances that would raise suspicion of terrorism.” The primary tests refer to joint investigations conducted by the fire department’s special chemical rescue team, the military’s chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear (CBRN) special task force, and public health centers.

Subsequently, no hazardous substances were found in the detailed examination by the Agency for Defense Development. The three employees who initially complained of dizziness and breathing difficulties after opening the mail were hospitalized but discharged after tests showed no abnormalities. The Agency for Defense Development is an institution capable of verifying chemical agents and simultaneously testing for biological substances.

Results of Testing 679 Samples Excluding False Reports from 2,141 Reports... 'No Hazardous Substances'

The State Affairs Coordination Office also stated that for other reported incidents, initial response agencies such as prosecutors and fire departments collected envelopes, cosmetic samples, pinsen, and other items for testing, but no CBRN-related hazardous substances were detected. This investigation covered 679 mail samples after excluding 1,462 false reports and simple consultations from the total 2,141 suspicious mail reports received by the police.

The government explained that there were no terrorism suspicions as no terror threats or intelligence were obtained, nor were there any casualties. The determination of terrorism suspicion is conducted jointly by related agencies including the National Intelligence Service under Article 21 of the Enforcement Decree of the Anti-Terrorism Act. Terrorism suspicion is analyzed comprehensively based on intelligence acquisition, report situations, and incident analysis.

Unidentified Overseas Mail... Immediate Reporting and Cooperative Investigation with Interpol Underway

[Image source=Yonhap News]

However, the State Affairs Coordination Office emphasized, “Although no terrorism suspicion was found related to overseas-delivered mail, we maintain a full readiness to respond to any situation,” and urged, “Please report to relevant agencies if you receive overseas mail with an unclear origin.” The office also stated, “Currently, intelligence and investigative authorities are cooperating with overseas intelligence and investigative agencies such as Interpol to trace the origin of the mail and conduct joint investigations into possible links to international crime.”

Starting with a suspicious package containing a gaseous poison delivered to a welfare facility for the disabled in Ulsan on the 20th, similar reports have continued across the country. On the 21st, a similar package was found at the Myeongdong Central Post Office, causing a commotion as about 1,700 people inside the building evacuated simultaneously.

The police urged that if you find a package in a yellow or black envelope marked with 'CHUNGHWA POST' or similar, do not open it and immediately report it to the nearest police station or call 112.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.