FBI investigates after poison found in mail

WASHINGTON - A vial containing the deadly poison ricin was found inside an envelope at a South Carolina postal facility, federal officials said Wednesday. The FBI was investigating but terrorism was not suspected.

"Based on the evidence obtained so far, we do not believe this is linked to terrorism but is related to threats criminal in nature," said Brian Roehrkasse, spokesman for the Homeland Security Department.

The envelope carried the typewritten message "caution-Ricin-poison" on the outside, according to a statement from the Greenville County Sheriff's Office. It arrived at a Greenville postal facility between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. on Oct. 15.

A postal worker noticed the wording and law enforcement officials were summoned. The letter was sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which determined Tuesday that the vial contained ricin.

Postal Service spokesman Gerry McKiernan said tests showed that none of the toxin escaped.

William Brown, spokesman for the postal facility in Greenville, said officials think there was no danger to employees.

The worst bioterrorism attack in U.S. history was perpetrated through the mail two years ago. Five people died and 17 were sickened by anthrax-infected letters.

Ricin is derived from the castor bean plant and can be deadly in very small doses. When inhaled or ingested, fever, cough, shortness of breath, chest tightness and low blood pressure can occur within eight hours. Death can come between 36 and 72 hours after exposure. There is no antidote.

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