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Abstract Number:	20060160
Headline:	"Tamozhennye sluzhby Uzbekistana vyavili fakty kontrabandy radioaktivnykh veshchestv" (Uzbek Customs Services Uncovers Radioactive Contraband)
Date:	11 May 2006
Bibliography:	Regnum Information Agency <http://www.regnum.ru>
Author:
Orig. Src.:
Case:
Material:	Radioactive isotopes

Abstract:
 

Two incidents involving the seizure of contaminated shipments of metals originating in Kazakhstan were reported by Uzbek authorities on 11 May 2006.

In the first incident, a shipment of zinc contaminated with radiation, was seized after it triggered a radiation monitor at a Bukhara Oblast customs checkpoint. 15,386kg of zinc powder and oxidized zinc containing traces of cesium-137 were in transit from Kazakhstan to Iran. At a distance of 1.5m the radiation emitted by the material was 240-300 microroentgen/hour, while the naturally occurring background level in that area is 17-20 microroentgen/hour.  According to Regnum.ru, any shipment contaminated by cesium-137 is classified as "hazardous cargo" by the Uzbek law on waste and requires a transit permit approved by the Cabinet of Ministers of Uzbekistan. In an attempt to conceal the nature of the cargo, Casting shipping company used falsified documentation.

In another incident, customs officers in Tashkent Oblast seized a train shipment of molybdenum contaminated with radioactive substances such as radium-226, uranium-234, uranium-238, and thorium-234. This shipment was en route from Kazakhstan to Tajikistan. The date of this seizure was not indicated in the media reports.

Uzbek law enforcement authorities have opened criminal investigations into both incidents.

{Entered 10/08/06 RN}

The Center for Nonproliferation Studies has not verified the accuracy or veracity of this report or the facts presented therein.  For more information on the material in this database please contact Dr. Scott Parrish at sparrish@miis.edu.

This material is produced independently for NTI by the 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, agents. Copyright © 2003 by MIIS.

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