On Friday 14th October 2011 Police attended Isle of Man Post Office and recovered two suspect packages, both of which were addressed to local financial institutions.
Owing to the professional and prompt actions by the Isle of Man Post Office staff, the incident was rapidly contained and there was no risk to the Public.
The packages were subsequently opened and examined by specialist Police Officers under controlled conditions in a joint operation with Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service.
The packages have been found to be very similar to those received by some local financial institutions in 2009. Both packages appear to originate from Algeria and contain correspondence together with an, as yet, unidentified substance.
A Police investigation into the matter is underway.
It should be emphasised that no one having had contact with the packages has shown any ill effects; however, Police are advising vigilance and caution in relation to mail resembling that intercepted, or of Algerian origin (images of the items are attached with addressee details deleted for reasons of confidentiality).
Should anyone receive a similar package through the post, they are advised not to open it, or handle the package unnecessarily. The package should be isolated, ideally in an airtight container, and the Police contacted as soon as possible.
Recipients should employ standard principles of hygiene and wash their hands and any other exposed skin thoroughly after any physical contact with such items.
