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Some south Etobicoke residents received threatening letters in the mail accompanied by a suspicious white substance on Friday.
Toronto Police have issued a warning to the public after receiving “several reports” regarding letters “formally addressed” to people and delivered to their home addresses.
“Inside the envelope, a letter addressed to the person is accompanied by a small bag containing a white powder which is claimed to be fentanyl,” Const. Alex Li said. “The letter directs the person to deposit Bitcoin in exchange for their family’s well-being.”
He said the “suspicious” incidents are under investigation.
Halton Regional Police are also investigating reports of such mail deliveries in Burlington on Friday.
They say initial police analysis indicates the white powder is confectioner’s sugar.
However, anyone who receives such a letter accompanied by a white substance is advised to avoid handling the substance as much as possible.
“Investigators are cautioning the public to be vigilant when opening their mail,” Li said.
“Place the envelope outside, preferably in a covered area, and cover it with an upside down garbage can or something similar to protect it,” Li said. “Please contact police immediately and officers will attend and safely seize it as soon as possible.”
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to call police at 416-808-2200 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
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