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THIRD ANTHRAX HOAXER CHARGED
Police this morning arrested a 48 year old Manawatu man who sent powder through the mail, the National Manager of Crime Services, Detective Superintendent Bill Bishop, said today.
Three letters, to the Prime Minister, TVNZ and TV3 were posted simultaneously on 16 October and were intercepted at the Manawatu Mail Centre when they all began leaking powder. The contents were tested by MAF and no anthrax spores were located.
The arrested man will appear in court this afternoon charged with wasting Police time.
The charge carries a maximum penalty of 3 months in jail or a $2000 fine.
"The letters were identified as coming from the arrested man after forensic examination.
"This third arrest for mail hoaxing reinforces that Police are taking this issue seriously and will prosecute anyone found undertaking such time wasting and idiotic behaviour," said Detective Superintendent Bishop.
ENDS