Abstract:

The Russian Customs Service at the Krasnodar checkpoint detained a consignment of goods en route from Lithuania after detecting high levels of radiation, ANN News reported on 18 February 2009. According to the Southern Customs Department of the Russian Federal Customs Service, the level of gamma-radiation on the surface of the cargo was eight times higher than the norm, while radiation emitted by the sources was almost 300 times the normal level. Examination of the cargo by the Hygiene and Epidemiology Center revealed that the consignment contained radioactive waste. A criminal case was initiated against the exporter, identified as “N” company, under Article 16.3 Part 1 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation.

A Southern Customs Department representative also told the media that a sea navigation device emitting radiation was seized from a citizen of Russia in January 2009. The perpetrator was traveling on Istanbul-Krasnodar flight. Radiation emitted by the devices was reportedly over 100 times higher than the norm. No further details on the radiation source were reported.{Entered GM}

Abstract Number:  20090090
Headline:  Cargo from Lithuania containing radioactive waste detained in Krasnodar
Date:  18 February 2009
Bibliography:  "Gruz iz Litvy v 300 raz prevyshal radiatsionnyy fon," ANN News, 18 February 2009, http://www.annews.ru/news/detail.php?ID=178336.
Material:  Waste/Scams/Contaminated Materials