( dpa ) - One person was in critical condition Friday after a package of highly toxic ricin was found in a Las Vegas hotel, police said.
The discovery sparked a huge terrorist scare in the gambling mecca, but authorities said there was as yet no evidence of a terror link.
The ricin was discovered by a relative of the victim Thursday night. Seven other people, including hotel employees and police, were being checked for symptoms of ricin exposure.
The victim had been staying in the room where the substance was found and called for an ambulance on February 14 after experiencing respiratory problems, said Las Vegas deputy police chief Kathy Suey in a broadcast press conference.
The room was unoccupied during the intervening two weeks, until a relative or friend of the victim came to remove the belongings, discovered the vials of powder and took them to the hotel manager who immediately called the police.
The substance was quickly identified as the deadly toxin ricin which is made from processed castor beans. Hundreds of officers then cordoned off the area to ensure the contamination was contained.
Suey said the victim was in critical condition and unable to speak to police.
"We have no information why that substance was in the room," said Suey, who added that it was possible that the ricin was in the possession of the victim or that it was there before the victim rented the room.
"There is no indication that this is the result of any terrorist activity," said Suey.