NBI arrests 3 over illegal sale of uranium

The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday announced the arrest of three individuals who were allegedly illegally selling depleted uranium sourced in Cebu by misrepresenting that they are precious metals.

According to the NBI, authorities arrested two persons in an entrapment operation in Pasay City on October 18 and seized 20 kilograms of metal bars and 3 kilograms of black powder, which it said was positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.

Meanwhile, one member of the group remained at large at the time.

On the same day, authorities searched the residence of the group and seized about 3 kilograms of black powder, rock material, small metal materials, and other contaminated items that tested positive for Uranium-235 and Uranium-238.

Aside from this, the NBI said the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) discovered that the residence is heavily contaminated with an undeterminable quantity of depleted Uranium powder.

Due to this, the area is currently undergoing decontamination procedures.

Meanwhile, the member who was previously at large was arrested in a separate operation in Cagayan de Oro City on October 28. 

Authorities seized several radioactive and contaminated materials, including a black pot that tested positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235. Authorities also detected surface contamination with Uranium-238 and Uranium-235 in various areas, including the family vehicle.

On November 8 and 9, authorities conducted another operation in Mandaue City and seized 60 kilograms of black metals. The NBI said these tested positive for Uranium-238 and Uranium-235.

According to the NBI, representatives of the PNRI met with NBI Director Jaime Santiago regarding the illegal trade of depleted uranium.

Citing the PNRI, the NBI said uranium poses a serious threat to national security because it may be used as source material for nuclear weapons.

“Terror organizations are after depleted uranium to improve their weaponry.  Additionally, due to its radioactivity and toxicity, it can expose the people in close contact with it to health threats,” the NBI said.

Meanwhile, it said the arrested individuals were presented for inquest proceedings before the Department of Justice. A case for violation of Republic Act 5207 or the Atomic Energy Regulatory and Liability Act of 1968 before the Pasay and CDO courts.—RF/AOL, GMA Integrated News