Photo: CTV

UPDATE: Tuesday 1:30 p.m.

A Coquitlam man of no fixed address faces charges of public mischief and possession of a controlled substance following a hazmat incident at the local RCMP headquarters.

The man is accused of walking into the detachment Monday morning and spreading a powdery substance that he claimed was poison.

The 55-year-old was arrested and the detachment evacuated until it could be confirmed there was no danger.

The suspect has been released pending a court appearance on July 16. 

ORIGINAL: Monday 1:20 p.m.

Hazmat crews responded to the Coquitlam RCMP detachment Monday, after a suspicious white powder was brought into the building.

A person entered the building about 9:30 a.m., claiming they had been poisoned and pulled out a package of the unidentified powder. It spread over a countertop, exposing 10 people.

None showed symptoms of poisoning, but were checked by paramedics.

"We have to be careful, especially with all the fentanyl and carfentanil that's out there. We've turned off the HVAC and secured that area. We have to protect all the workers," asst. fire chief Greg Senior told CTV.

The powder is being tested.

– with files from CTV Vancouver