Postal inspectors trying to trace Maryland packages

Associated Press//January 7, 2011

//January 7, 2011

U.S. postal inspectors are trying to track the origin of incendiary packages sent to Maryland Gov. Martin O’Malley and the state’s transportation secretary.

The packages produced a puff of smoke, a small flame and a sulfur-like smell when they were opened Thursday afternoon. No one was injured. One of them contained an angry note.

Postal Inspector Frank Schissler of the Washington field division says there were exterior markings on the packages that will help inspectors narrow down their origin. He also says the postal service will examine its internal tracking data. Packages are tracked once they enter mail processing plants.

But Schissler notes that the packages didn’t have individual tracking numbers because they weren’t sent via registered mail or express mail.

In an e-mail to state employees Friday, O’Malley said Maryland State Police and emergency management officials have developed guidelines to resume mail processing at state buildings.

He is also reassuring state employees that officials are taking precautions to keep workers safe.

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