Sochi Toothpaste Alert: Russia Reacts To Toothpaste Bomb Threat

Russian officials have today reacted to news reported by ABC on Wednesday that at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had issued an alert to U.S. and foreign-based airlines going to Russia that toothpaste tubes could in fact be holding ingredients for explosives. "All the information we have at this moment on threats and risks allows us to say that security at the Olympics will be provided," Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Kozak told reporters from Ria Novosti.

The "toothpaste alert" first emerged when ABC News spoke to an official from the Department of Homeland Security. "While we are not aware of a specific threat to the homeland at this time, this routine communication is an important part of our commitment to making sure we meet that priority," the official said. "As always, our security apparatus includes a number of measures, both seen and unseen, and DHS will continue to adjust security measures to fit an ever evolving threat environment."

Meanwhile, House Homeland Security Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, said the toothpaste tube threat is based on "very specific and credible information." Russia accordingly banned all liquids and gels, including toothpaste, from being brought in carry-on luggage through its airports last month. "I think you're going to see a tightening of the screening procedures on these types of items that could contain explosive devices, that could either be used to blow up an airplane going to Russia or be smuggled into the Sochi are for the Olympics," McCaul, R-Texas, said.

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