Letter containing suspicious substance triggers alarm at four consulates in Istanbul

A letter containing a suspicious substance triggered alarm at the Canadian Consulate in Istanbul on Oct. 24, prompting the dispatch of chemical and biological experts.

Officials said the letter contained a “yellow powder,” adding that police had received “similar notifications” from the Belgian and German Consulates, where other teams from Turkey’s Disaster and Emergency Management Agency (AFAD) have also reportedly been dispatched. Police were seen cordoning off a safety perimeter in front of both Consulate buildings.

AFAD said in a statement that one person at the Canadian Consulate had direct contact with the substance, while other six were indirectly exposed.

Experts have decontaminated the office, located in the 16th floor of a tower, and its surroundings, the statement added.

AFAD also conducted a search for suspicious substances inside the U.S. Consulate. 

Samples of the powder have been collected and sent to Health Ministry experts for analysis. An investigation has also been launched to determine where the letter was sent from.