Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STOCKHOLM850
2008-12-22 11:41:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Stockholm
Cable title:  

STOCKHOLM SWEDEN WHITE POWDER INCIDENT 12/17/2008

Tags:  ASEC PTER SW 
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O 221141Z DEC 08
FM AMEMBASSY STOCKHOLM
TO SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 3992
UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000850 


STATE FOR EUR/NB, S/CT, DS/TIA/PII, DS/IP/WMD, DS/IP/EUR,
DS/ITA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER SW
SUBJECT: STOCKHOLM SWEDEN WHITE POWDER INCIDENT 12/17/2008

REF: STOCKHOLM DS SPOT REPORT OF 12/17/2008

UNCLAS STOCKHOLM 000850


STATE FOR EUR/NB, S/CT, DS/TIA/PII, DS/IP/WMD, DS/IP/EUR,
DS/ITA

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ASEC PTER SW
SUBJECT: STOCKHOLM SWEDEN WHITE POWDER INCIDENT 12/17/2008

REF: STOCKHOLM DS SPOT REPORT OF 12/17/2008


1. (SBU) On December 17, 2008, local embassy staff (LES)
managing the incoming mail notified ARSO that they had
intercepted two suspicious envelopes addressed to the US
Embassy Stockholm, one originating from Texas and the other
from Sweden. Mail room staff had previously been notified of
the incidents of other EUR posts receiving envelopes
containing a white powder substance originating from Texas.
Photographs provided from other posts were utilized to
identify and isolate the two similar envelopes received in
the incoming mail. The LES conducted the mail sort in hazmat
gear to offset the chance of accidental exposure to a
potentially hazardous material. The LES placed the two
envelopes into plastic bags, secured them in the scanning
bin, and notified the Local Security Force.


2. (SBU) Immediately thereafter, RSO office contacted local
authorities and mobilized the First Responder Team who suited
up in hazmat suits and proceeded to the mail facility to
isolate the items and decontaminate the area. The two
letters were isolated by the First Responder Team,
photographed and sealed into transportation containers. The
area and personnel were decontaminated, the transportation
chambers were prepared for delivery to SMI (Swedish CDC),and
the mail room was taped off until test results came back.
All personnel exposed to the envelopes reported to the
medical office and were evaluated. Local authorities
transported the containers to SMI where testing would begin.
ARSO kept the Charge informed throughout these procedures.


3. (SBU) On December 18, 2008, the Swedish police
authorities informed ARSO that they had concluded that the
powder substances discovered in both envelopes were
non-threatening. The substances had not yet been identified,
however, no bacteriological culture had developed during
overnight testing and the powder was not identified as a
hazardous material. Upon receiving this report, the mailroom
was reopened.


4. (SBU) On December 19, 2008, the Swedish police
authorities informed ARSO that the powder substance found in
the envelope from Texas was identified as flour. The Swedish
envelope contained only a small quantity of a non-threatening
substance. The Swedish letter also had no return address or
postal system markings on it although it did have postage.
Post is currently awaiting the return of both envelopes to
their custody so that they may be forwarded for further
analysis and investigation.


5. (SBU) Comment: This incident was handled quickly and
efficiently as a result of well-trained responders and the
benefit of knowledge of incidents occurring throughout EUR.
The envelopes were isolated and prepared for transportation
within half an hour of being identified and no staff were
unintentionally exposed to any potentially hazardous
materials. The post-to-post communication regarding this
incident allowed the RSO shop to be proactive as opposed to
reactive in how it addressed the threat. The result was a
rapid and coordinated response with timely containment and
minimal interruption to post business.



6. (U) Point of contact for this matter is ARSO James
Guanci, 46-8-783-5507.

SILVERMAN