Envelopes containing white powder, extortion letter mailed to homes in Toronto, Peel, Burlington: police
Posted December 18, 2020 10:46 pm.
Last Updated December 19, 2020 8:32 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Police are investigating after several suspicious envelopes were mailed to homes in Toronto, Peel Region and Burlington.
Toronto police said the envelopes were addressed to the residents of the homes and included a letter that claimed the white powder inside was fentanyl.
“The letter directs the person to deposit Bitcoin in exchange for their family’s wellbeing,” Toronto police said in a news release on Friday.
Investigators are asking the public to be careful when opening the mail.
“If you receive the above letter and substance, try not to handle it as much as possible,” police 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.”
There have been no reports of injuries.
Halton Regional Police said tests done on the white powder found in the envelopes in Burlington indicate that it’s confectioner’s sugar.
Halton police added the letters all arrived in the mail Friday morning.
“Residents are advised that this is an extortion attempt are asked not to send any funds in relation to this letter,” Halton police said.
CityNews has obtained a copy of one of the letters from Halton Police.
Peel Regional Police also reported several incidents of people receiving envelopes containing a white powder, claiming to be fentanyl. It was determined to be icing sugar.
The envelops also contained letter telling the person to deposit bitcoin into an account for their family’s wellbeing.
