Channahon, IL – A hazmat response was triggered at the Channahon Police Department on Monday, May 5, 2025, after a suspicious package was delivered, leading authorities to believe it contained hazardous materials. After a thorough investigation, it was revealed the package simply contained sugar—ordered through the department’s Amazon account.
The package, which had been signed for and placed on Chief of Police Adam Bogart’s desk, raised immediate concerns due to its unusual labeling. The shipping label was faded and incorrect, and the package had been re-labeled with an unfamiliar barcode. Additionally, a “FRAGILE” sticker and a “Thank You for Shopping at My Small Business” label caught the attention of staff, as they were not typical for police shipments.
Upon handling the box, which seemed unusually heavy, Bogart reported sensing a sand-like shifting material inside. This prompted the department to initiate a standard hazmat response, including evacuating nearby buildings and securing the area.
A team of officers and FedEx security analysts quickly began working together to assess the situation. Upon opening the package, they found it contained eight 22-ounce canisters of sugar, several of which had broken open, explaining the shifting material inside.
Further investigation revealed that the sugar had been ordered through the police department’s Amazon business account. However, the vendor linked to the delivery differed from the usual supplier. It was also discovered that the shipping label had been altered, likely to conceal the true contents or condition of the package.
FedEx has since launched an internal investigation into the matter, focusing on potential fraudulent activity by third-party sellers exploiting altered shipping labels.
While the package posed no actual threat, the incident highlights the importance of vigilance in handling unexpected deliveries and the need for enhanced security in department orders.
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