White powder in envelope found in Orchard residence mailbox, hazmat activated, 20 evacuated

A suspicious envelope containing white powder was found in an Orchard residence's mailbox, alerting authorities to head down to the scene and evacuate nearby residents.

20 residents were evacuated as specialists investigated the envelope.

The police later determined the contents as likely to be drug-related and handed over the case to the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Suspicious envelope with white powder seized from mailbox

The Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) told Mothership it received a call for assistance at around 5:30pm at 42 Saunders Road.

Police told Mothership it was alerted to a suspicious envelope containing white powdery substances in a mailbox of a residential unit there.

Saunders Road is a landed estate in the vicinity of Orchard Road, based on Google Maps.

SCDF said that SCDF officers retrieved a package containing white substances in personal protective gear.

SCDF's HazMat specialists were also activated.

They conducted several tests on the white substances, but no hazardous materials were detected.

The package was subsequently handed over to the police.

Contents believed to be drug-related: Police

Lianhe Zaobao reported that police cordoned off the area until 7pm, with onlookers gathering to watch.

About 20 residents were also evacuated from the neighbouring units as a precautionary measure, SCDF said.

No injuries were reported.

Police told Mothership that based on preliminary findings, the contents of the envelope are believed to be drug-related substances.

The case has been referred to the Central Narcotics Bureau.

Top image from Lianhe Zaobao