Powder leaking from package from Iraq causes scare

DILLARD - A package from Iraq, leaking a light gray powder and inscribed with a message telling the recipient not to open the box, caused a scare at the tiny Dillard post office in northeast Georgia.<br> <br> But after four hours of investigation Thursday, including the FBI, it turned out that the powder was just a sports drink, according to the Rabun County Sheriff&#39;s Office.<br> <br> ``We tasted it, and it sure tasted like Gatorade,&#39;&#39; Chief Investigator Cary Thomas said Friday.<br> <br> A local man stationed overseas sent Valentine&#39;s Day gifts for his family. Believing he would be home in time for the holiday, he asked them to wait to open the box, which contained knives packed in the powder packets.<br> <br> Police theorized the sender, whose identity was not released, used the packets to absorb moisture and prevent the gifts from rusting.<br> <br> ``We had an unscheduled drill,&#39;&#39; Thomas said.