Authorities evacuate Samoan consulate staff after discovery of suspicious package

By Alexander Rheeney 11 January 2019, 12:00AM

Australian authorities evacuated the Samoan consulate in Sydney today following reports the mission received an envelope with suspicious content.

Reports by Australian media state that a New South Wales emergency crew rushed to the consulate on Scott Street in Liverpool, Sydney following reports it received a package. 

Two consulate staff were reportedly at work when the package was delivered. A specialist team then “decontaminated” the duo, whom the media said showed no signs of infection.

The envelope — which was not opened by the staff — was put into a container by the emergency crew, who wore specialist spill suits before undertaking the task.

The Police are now in possession of the envelope and will test its contents in a bid to identify it.   

Australia’s Channel 9 News has reported that the consulate released a statement confirming the arrival of a suspicious package today. 

"This morning the Samoa Consulate received a parcel in the mail that was suspicious. The authorities were alerted and the matter was handed over to the NSW Police and AFP," the spokesperson reportedly said.

The suspicious discovery reportedly comes on the back of the arrest and charging of a man in Victoria with posting parcels allegedly containing asbestos to consulates and embassies across Australia. 

By Alexander Rheeney 11 January 2019, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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