NORTHAMPTON, MA (WGGB/WSHM) – Local and state agencies were able safely dispose of an unusual item that had the potential to cause injury.

The Massachusetts Department of Fire Services said that their bomb squad and HAZMAT team recently helped the Northampton Fire Department after an unknown object was dropped off by a resident.

It was believed that the item may have been part of an anti-theft system from an old safe, whereby attempts to breach the safe would result in the contents, usually a noxious chemical that caused illness or injury, to be released.

Investigators were able to determine that the substance in the tubes was a form of tear gas, which was safely secured and disposed of.

Copyright 2026 Western Mass News (WGGB/WSHM). All rights reserved.