A batch of radioactive metals was discovered by customs officers at Pulkovo Airport on a passenger arriving from Africa.
Radioactive minerals weighing 450 grams were found in the luggage of a 43-year-old foreign citizen. The find was discovered thanks to the Yanter radiation monitoring system.
A subsequent study using a portable radiometer-spectrometer showed that the radiation level was several times higher than the established standards.
The man told the customs officers that he was studying at one of the universities in St. Petersburg and brought mineral samples to work on his final project.
The information was forwarded to Rospotrabendzor. The research confirmed the presence of the radioactive isotope radium-226 in the minerals. The dose rate of gamma radiation on the packaging surface was 8.19 μSv/h.
Based on the violation, an administrative case was opened according to Article 16.3 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - non-compliance with the prohibitions and restrictions established on the import of goods. This section provides for the imposition of a fine with the possibility of confiscation of the items of the offense.