National Security officials were searching for clues Thursday into how a Florida resident was able to smuggle potentially hazardous radioactive material from a South Florida airport into The Bahamas.
United States authorities also joined the inquiry into the incident, which, according to U.S. Embassy spokesman Michael Taylor, was a cause for concern.
“This type of incident demonstrates the need to remain highly vigilant against all types of illicit shipping,” Mr. Taylor said in an interview with the Bahama Journal.
“Any kind of illicit shipping is a concern. That would include drugs, radioactive material and all types of contraband. It’s something that everyone involved in commercial shipping all around the world have to be cognizant of and have to be aware that this type of activity could be going on. They will also have to take whatever steps they can to try to thwart it.”
On Wednesday, Harold DeGregory Jr. of West Palm Beach appeared in a Miami Federal Court to face an eight-count indictment charging him with conspiracy to transport and smuggle hazardous materials.
The indictment alleges that between July 2003 and November 2004 DeGregory transported Iridium-192 from Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport here.
Prosecutors claim that he transported the materials without notifying U.S. Customs and Border Protection officials.
They also allege that on November 2 inspectors found a 42-pound container of Iridium-192 hidden in a wing compartment on DeGregory’s aircraft.
Iridium-192 is a radioisotope used in internal radiation therapy in which radioactive material is placed directly into or near a tumor.
Prosecutors in the case also acknowledged that Iridium-192 has legitimate industrial uses, however, it could pose health risks if not handled properly.
According to an Associated Press report, DeGregory’s attorney said the material was used by a Bahamian oil company for industrial radiography.
The report said that on three flights between August 2003 and October 28, DeGregory allegedly failed to inform U.S. Customs and Border Protection that he was transporting the radioactive material.
Mr. Taylor, meanwhile, pointed out that U.S. and Bahamian authorities have been working for some time to bolster security measures at some of the main transshipment facilities in The Bahamas.
“We are working closely with the Bahamas Customs Department to install some special equipment at the Freeport Container Port that will help with detecting hidden radioactive and nuclear material,” he noted.
“It’s a million dollar programme, but it’s worth every penny to help make commercial shipping safer.”
Last December, the United States and Bahamas governments signed a cooperative agreement which is part of a mega ports initiative.
The agreement was drafted by the U.S. and comprises a commitment among seven countries, including The Bahamas, which allows the United States to install high-powered screening equipment at container ports.
By: Darrin Culmer, The Bahama Journal
