In tweets posted by the police department, HPD stated administrative personnel at its building on 33 Artesian Place opened the envelope addressed to the department late in the morning.
Houston Fire Department hazmat crews were called, and their early tests indicated the powder as the narcotic.
Four HPD employees who were present when the envelope was opened were checked out for safety reasons.
According to HPD, the envelope had a name and a return address, as well as a piece of paper containing a few names on it.
Police believe the envelope was an attempt to provide names of people selling the drug and that it wasn't intended as a threat to law enforcement.
An investigation is ongoing.
At 10:50 am, HPD admin personnel at our 33 Artesian building opened a mailed envelope addressed to HPD. Inside was a zipped baggie containing a white powdery substance. As a precaution, @HoustonFire Hazmat crews responded. HFD's early tests indicated the presence of cocaine. 1/3
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 13, 2019
4 of our employees present when the envelope was opened were checked out for safety reasons. The envelope had a name & return address. An enclosed piece of paper had a few names on it. At this time, we don't believe the envelope was intended as a threat to law enforcement. 2/3
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 13, 2019
Investigators believe it might have been sent by an individual trying to provide names of others selling the drug. An investigation is ongoing. No other information is being released at this time. #hounews 3/3
— Houston Police (@houstonpolice) November 13, 2019