Container with radioactive substance seized at Ctg port

Customs officials seized a container in Chittagong port as presence of radioactive substance Caesium-137 was detected inside it this evening.

Officials of Bangladesh Atomic Energy Commission (BAEC) Chittagong office found the evidence of Caesium-137, a radioactive isotope, said Joint Commissioner Md Gias Kamal of Chittagong Customs House.

BAEC tested the sample at Chittagong Customs House Chemical Laboratory, our Chittagong staff correspondent reports quoting the customs official.

Chittagong based firm Citadel Global Corporation was exporting the container to China, he said adding that after suspecting presence of the substance they cancelled the container’s shipment scheduled on August 24.

BAEC has found highest level of radiation at 6.24 microsieverts per hour.

The container has been kept at a shielded place at the port to prevent spreading of radiation, the official said.

Customs commissioner said the sample would be sent to BAEC Dhaka for further test.