The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit is investigating the delivery of suspicious packages to three Federal Constituency Offices in Southwestern Nova Scotia.
Shortly after 11 a.m. on February 7, Barrington RCMP, fire and EHS responded to a complaint of a package having been received at a Federal Constituency Office in Barrington Passage. Police learned that an employee had opened a package and began having difficulty breathing and their eyes and skin became irritated. Police secured the area until officers trained in the safe handling of irritants could attend the scene. The affected employee was transported to hospital by ambulance for decontamination and did not suffer further injury.
The RCMP took steps to notify all Federal Constituency Offices in Nova Scotia of the incident.
At approximately the same time, Bridgewater Police Service responded to a complaint of a similar suspicious package having been received at the Federal Constituency Office in Bridgewater. Police learned that the employees were aware of the incident in Barrington Passage and no one had handled the package, nor suffered adverse effects from it. Bridgewater Police seized the package for testing. Shortly after 1 p.m., Yarmouth Town RCMP responded to a complaint of a similar suspicious package having been received at the Federal Constituency Office in Yarmouth. Police learned that the package had not been opened, but that an employee who handled the package did experience skin irritation. The employee did not require medical attention. Yarmouth Town RCMP seized the package for testing.
The Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit is leading the investigations, gathering information and evidence. The packages are suspected to have contained a chemical irritant, and further testing is being conducted to identify the substance. The investigation is being assisted by RCMP Forensic Identification Services and the RCMP Chemical, Biological, Radiological, Nuclear and Explosives Unit (CBRNE).
Anyone with information on these incidents, is asked to please contact the Southwest Nova RCMP Major Crime Unit at 902-365-3160. Should you wish to remain anonymous call Nova Scotia Crime Stoppers toll free at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477), submit a secure web tip at www.crimestoppers.ns.ca, or use the P3 Tips App.
Source: Release