Report: White powder sent to three foreign missions in New York

Nov 10, 2009, 6:20 GMT

New York - Mysterious packets containing white powder were received by three foreign missions to the United States in New York according to police, reported local media early Tuesday.

The three affected offices include representations from Uzbekistan, France and Austria, reported the local affiliate of the NBC broadcasting network.

Police said the powder is likely not dangerous, but will be tested, reported the broadcaster. Two of the packets had return addresses in Texas. At least one reportedly made a reference to terrorist organization al-Qaeda.

Fire crews responded and emergency decontamination efforts were carried out in the affected offices.

A series of mailed packets containing powdered anthrax, sent within the United States shortly after the September 11, 2001 attacks, resulted in widespread panic and left five people dead.