Armenian citizen detained in attempt to transport radioactive substance to Russia via Georgia

Armenian citizen Militos M. has been detained by the Georgian State Security Service while trying to transport the radioactive substance Thorium, packed in four packages to Russia via Georgia.

The individual held the bags in a micro-bus, which was closely checked after the signal of a radiation detector at the Georgian-Armenian border.

The total weight of the packages is 71.63 kg and they contain radioactive isotope Thorium 232, which is a nuclear material. Radiation dose rate on the surface of the packages amounted up to 18 mcSv/h, while maximum safe dose rate is 0.5 mcSv/h. The seized substance poses threats to life and health,” the Georgian State Security Service reports.

The seized packages in a mini-bus. Photo: State Security Service press office. 

The man was detained at the Sadakhlo checkpoint, the Georgian-Armenian border, and was charged with the illegal possession of radioactive substances and the violation of customs rules.

He has been sent to pre-trial detention, facing five to 10 years in prison if the charge is confirmed.