TERRORIST-TAMPERED CIGARETTES IN CALIFORNIA?

TERRORIST-TAMPERED CIGARETTES IN CALIFORNIA?

HEMET, Calif. (Wireless Flash) – Could a pack of cigarettes contaminated by terrorists be floating around in California? A Hemet, California, resident says she bought a pack of Marlboro cigarettes on September 29 at a local convenience store. The package contained a distinct needle hole in the bottom and were marked “Complimentary. Not for resale.” The woman says she acted on President Bush’s suggestion that citizens report anything unusual to authorities so she brought the pack to the Hemet Police Department where officers reportedly laughed at her. Police have since transferred the case to the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, which says it doesn’t investigate such matters and has advised the media to contact the Hemet Police Department. Meanwhile, reporters say the situation is going around in circles and phone calls to determine the whereabouts of the mysterious cigarettes are going unanswered by Hemet police.

Wed 10-17-01