Early Tests Show No Danger From Powder Sent to Indonesian Embassy in Australia

Australian authorities said the substance delivered to the Indonesian embassy Wednesday was most likely not dangerous, the Australian Associated Press reported today (see GSN, June 1).

The Australian Federal Police have determined the substance was not anthrax.

“At this stage ACT Policing has been advised it is very unlikely that there are any bacteria of major pathogenic significance. However, it must be stressed these findings are interim and analysis is continuing,” the Australian police said in a statement.

It is widely suspected that the letter was sent in retaliation for the incarceration of Australian national Schapelle Corby, who was recently convicted on drug charges in Indonesia, according to AAP. However, lawyers for Corby cautioned against drawing a connection between their client’s conviction and the letter.

“We don’t know who has done it yet,” said Corby’s attorney Vasu Rasiah.

Australian Prime Minister John Howard warned the incident could lead to attacks on Australians in Indonesia.

“Just as we cannot guarantee a random act of stupidity with an evil intent … equally I cannot expect a guarantee from the Indonesian government that some evil act of retaliation won’t occur in that country,” Howard said (Australian Associated Press I/The Age, June 2). 

The Australian Associated Press also reported today that authorities have expanded their investigation of the letter’s origin to Victoria, where officials believe the letter originated.

The letter, written in Indonesian, “was abusive, let me just say that, very abusive,” said Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer.

Federal Police Chief John Davies said ample resources are being committed to the investigation.

“Clearly the sending of that particular letter was designed to cause major disruption and to instill fear and as such it is a very serious matter and the AFP is obviously giving this a very, very high priority,” said Davies (Paul Osborne, Australian Associated Press II, June 2).

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