Worldcue® Alert
Severity: Informational Alert
Security: Russian border security seize Sodium-22 isotopes from Iran-bound plane at Moscow's Sheremetyevo Airport Dec. 16. Expect increased security.
This alert affects Moscow
This alert began 16 Dec 2011 13:27 GMT and is scheduled to expire 17 Dec 2011 23:59 GMT.
Incident: Attempt to smuggle radioactive materials thwarted
Time/Date: Around 1600 Dec. 16
Location: Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), Moscow
Impact: Increased security; delays clearing airport security and/or customs
Summary
Border security officers at Moscow's Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO) detained an unidentified individual who was about to board a passenger flight to Tehran, Iran after discovering that he was carrying radioactive materials in his luggage. Security officials made the discovery when the individual's baggage registered 20 times higher than the natural background radiation level. Upon searching the bags, authorities found 18 metal items containing Sodium-22 isotopes.
Background and Analysis
Officials have not released any further details about the incident, including the nationality of the would-be smuggler. Sodium-22 has a number of scientific uses, the vast majority of which are in the field of medicine. The isotope is used as a radioactive tracer for natural sodium, as well as in positron emission tomography. Although Sodium-22 is not a weapons-grade material, Russian security authorities will undoubtedly be taking this incident very seriously.
Advice
Expect increased scrutiny by security officers at SVO and possible delays in clearing customs/airport security as authorities complete their investigation of the incident.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Democrat Party. The party of Misery, Violence and Hate.
| 
