Unknown substance discovered at Eastern Iowa Airport prompts investigation

CEDAR RAPIDS - A substance found at The Eastern Iowa Airport Tuesday night that prompted a police investigation has been determined to be medicine and henna powder.

Cedar Rapids police were called to the airport around 7:22 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a suspicious substance found in some baggage. Police secured the area and followed normal hazardous materials protocols, according to Maria Johnson, communications manager for the city.

Pam Hinman, airport director of marketing and communications, said in a statement Wednesday that authorities tested the substance and determined it was non-hazardous. They also questioned the owner of the bag and the person who had been at the airport to pick up the passenger and determined there was no criminal activity.

Hinman said flights were not disrupted by the incident.