Fireworks!

Fireworks!
Local Shows

°

Homepage / Detroit Local News
Text Size

BioPort-Related Documents Found In Kabul

Al-Qaida Had Interest In Company's Product

POSTED: Wednesday, November 28, 2001
UPDATED: 1:37 am EST November 29, 2001

Authorities said that documents referring to anthrax vaccine-maker Bioport Inc. were found in the possession of the al-Qaida in Kabul, Afghanistan, Local 4 reported Wednesday.
Video

Two Pakistani scientists were arrested in Kabul and had the documents in their possession, according to Local 4.

The documents came from the U.S. Department of Defense, but were not classified. They also did not contain any information on making the vaccine or the Lansing-based company's plant operations, according to the station's report.

BioPort produces a variety of vaccines for government and commercial use. But repeated failures to meet Food and Drug Administration guidelines have prevented the company from making the anthrax vaccine for two years, Local First News reported. The firm failed inspections in 1999 and last year.

The document contained highlighted items and stars were scribbled across the top of one page.

BioPort spokeswoman Kim Brennen Root told Local 4 that the discovery supports the notion that the al-Qaida and the Taliban have been studying biological warfare and protecting against weapons of mass destruction.

Root said that the document was a report on the environmental impact of renovations to the Lansing plant, not a "how-to" manual on making the vaccine. She also said the discovery supports the company's decision to tighten security following the Sept. 11 attacks.

Federal authorities are expected to visit BioPort in two weeks for another inspection, Local 4 reported. If it passes, the plant could resume anthrax vaccine production. It is the only facility in the nation that produces the vaccine.

Hot Topics

Links We Like
Sponsored Content
Learn the top five signs of common mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, and bipolar disorder. More

Find out what a sputtering economy and an increasingly difficult to crack job market means to you. More

It is important to make sure your will is sorted out in the best way possible for you and your family. Here are ten things to consider when writing a will. More

Looking for a qualified service professional to help you with your next project? Follow these ten steps and get the job done right. More

Hot Shots!

Hot Shots: Michigan Adventures 2007 - Image From Dale Niesen
Do you love fireworks as much as Local 4? If so, share your fireworks Hot Shots. More

Hot Shots: 2008 Fireworks
2009 Fireworks

Hot Shots: Wild Weather - Image From Cheryl Kleist
Have a great picture of a rainbow? Share your Hot Shots with Local 4!
  • UPLOAD: Submit Your Hot Shot
  • SLIDESHOW: Hot Shots: Rainbow Connection



    Sponsored Links

    On Local 4

    Why are so many teens around metro Detroit getting sexually transmitted diseases? Wait until you see what Local 4 Investigator Kevin Dietz found out.

    Watch "Ellen" weekdays at 10 a.m. on Local 4 to find out how you could win tickets to a preview of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and a great grand prize package! More


    Vote 4 The Best
    Vote 4 The Best 2009: It's time to VOTE for your favorites from burgers to pizza, pet supplies to hair salons and much more. Let your voice be heard! Plus, look for our all new Summer Recreation categories with golf courses, pools, parks and more. More


    Keep up with the latest tweets from the Local 4 Newsroom. More


    Morning Home Delivery From Click On Detroit and Local 4 News

    Most Popular

    Question Of The Day

    Do you agree with the decision to fire Detroit police chief James Barren?