Russian Agencies Impound Radioactive Scrap Metal

According to reports from the Tass Russian news agency, two radioactive batches of scrap metal were impounded in Russia's Far East.

According to the report, a consignment of scrap metal, with background radiation of 150 times the normal level, was impounded in Maritime Territory.

As two vehicles entered the temporary storage area at the customs post in the village of Pokrovka, the Yantar radiation monitoring system was triggered. "The cars were transporting scrap metal to China. An investigation into the incident is under way," the press service noted.

The source of the radiation, a cylindrical rod, was also found in the scrap metal.

"The background radiation levels at the port remain the same," the customs directorate said. The Maritime Territory prosecutor's office has opened a criminal investigation into "the illegal handling of radioactive substances".