Radioactive cargo detained in Vladivostok

Dec. 22, 2008

Abstract:

Scrap metal cargo was detained at a customs checkpoint in Vladivostok after a radiation detection device registered an increased level of background radiation, Deita news agency reported on 22 December 2008. According to information provided by the Far East Customs Department, the source of ionizing radiation was a scale of a broken measuring device that contained radium-226. Radiation level on the surface of the device was 21.05 microsievert per hour.

Cargo Customs Declaration presented by the exporter wrongfully stated that the scrap metal had passed radiation control, and the firm failed to present a special license required for the export of materials and technologies on Russia's trigger list. The radioactive measuring device was seized and moved to storage, and a criminal case was opened against the exporter under Article 16.3 Part 1 of Russia's Administrative Code. {Entered GM}

Abstract Number: 20090060
Headline: Radioactive cargo detained in Vladivostok
Date: 22 December 2008
Bibliography: "Radioaktivnyy gruz obnaruzhen vo Vladivostoke," Deita, 22 December 2008.
Material: Radioactive isotopes

This material is produced independently for NTI by the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Monterey Institute of International Studies and does not necessarily reflect the opinions of and has not been independently verified by NTI or its directors, officers, employees, or agents. Copyright © 2011 by MIIS.

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This article is part of a collection examining reported incidents of nuclear or radioactive materials trafficking in or originating from the Newly Independent States.