Postmen helped cops during Anthrax scare

Postmen helped cops during Anthrax scare

HYDERABAD: While postmen are now being sensitised to gathering information of LSD users who receive their consignments in envelopes sent by post, it is not the first time the service of uniformed men is being considered for specific tasks.

They were tasked with passing on information about a bacterium: Anthrax. Seventeen years ago (in 2001), Anthrax and plain powder marked as Anthrax, packed in envelopes, reached homes and offices across the country. When people opened the envelopes, the substance spilled on to their hands and eyes. Officials of India Post’s Telangana circle said indicators were given to postmen to pass on information if they found anything suspicious. Apart from it, they were on a high alert when parcel bombs rocked Hyderabad in 1998. Now, Telangana excise department officials sought their cooperation as peddlers who place order for LSD blots and cocaine on darknet website receive the package through India Post or international courier service. Postmen were asked to inform their superiors if anyone regularly receives small parcels from South American or European countries.

India Post’s chief postmaster (Hyderabad Circle) MV Muralidhar said that they organised a session for over 90 postmen where they were made aware of the issue and asked to inform their higher-ups if they found anything suspicious.