Abstract:

A Ukrainian citizen who attempted to transport two radioactive devices across the Russian-Ukrainian border was detained in Belgorod on 1 February 2006, Bel.ru reported. A Moscow-Sevastopol train en route to Ukraine was stopped at the Dolbino checkpoint after alarms of Yantar-2Zh radiation monitor detected an elevated radiation level. Upon conducting secondary screening with hand held mediation detectors, customs officers discovered the source in a cardboard box belonging to one of the passengers.

The suspect, citizen of Ukraine, was determined to be carrying two RIO-3 radioisotope icing sensors used in aviation. The sensors were marked with the radiation hazard sign and emitted radiation 280 times higher than the normal level. According to the Epidemiology and Hygiene Center of Belgorod oblast,  the sensors are sealed radioactive sources, the handling and transportation of which requires special license. The passenger had no such license and was not able to explain why he had tried to take the sensors out of the country. According to the report, his destination was the city of Dzhankoy in Crimea.[1]

The devices were confiscated and temporarily placed in a specialized storage. A criminal case under Articles 188 (smuggling) and 220 (illegal handling of radioactive materials) of the Russian Criminal Code was opened. The Belgorod branch of the Ukrainian Ministry of Internal Affairs is conducing the investigation.[1] 

Source:

[1] "Ostorozhno: radiatsiya! [Warning: Radiation!]," Nash Belgorod, 10 February 2006; in Integrum Techno database, www.integrum.ru.

Abstract Number:  20060050
Headline:  Radioactive Cargo Stopped at the Border
Date:  7 February 2006
Bibliography:  Bel.ru; in Integrum Techno database, www.integrum.ru