A package of crystal meth from Europe caused the shutdown of a board of elections office in New York for several hours this week. The Dutchess County Board of Elections office had to close down for three hours on Monday after officials discovered a suspicious package from Europe. The package had come in through UPS from Greece and had traveled through several other countries, including France, before reaching the Dutchess County Board of Elections. The FBI, along with the Dutchess County Sheriff’s Office and State Police, are now working together to determine who sent the package and why.
A bipartisan team of BOE employees noticed the suspicious package and alerted the commissioners. They then put on personal protective equipment and further inspected the package before contacting law enforcement. The Dutchess County Hazmat team was called to the scene, and after careful examination, it was determined that the substance in the package was methamphetamine, also known as crystal meth. Fortunately, no staffers who came into contact with the package reported any symptoms.
Although the office had to shut down for three hours, it did not disrupt any voter’s right to vote or harm any staff members. The county commissioners praised the staff for their handling of the situation and expressed gratitude to all the law enforcement, fire department, and emergency personnel who assisted during this incident.
The sheriff’s office has taken possession of the package and is currently working with the FBI and State Police to conduct a thorough investigation. As of now, there are no updates on the progress of the investigation. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining vigilant and committed to ensuring free and fair elections for the voters of Dutchess County.
In the midst of the upcoming elections, it is crucial to maintain the integrity and security of the election process. Any attempt to disrupt or undermine this process must be met with swift and thorough investigation to preserve the democratic rights of the citizens. The cooperation between different law enforcement agencies in handling this situation demonstrates the dedication to upholding the principles of democracy and ensuring the safety of all individuals involved in the electoral process.
