Dar es Salaam — Police and other state organs are on the alert against illegal trafficking of nuclear materials into the country, the Director of Criminal Investigations (CID), Mr Robert Manumba has confirmed.
He said several incidents where such radioactive materials have been brought into Tanzania or those legally acquired fell into the wrong hands, but much concern would come when uranium mining starts shortly in various deposits found in the country.
"Some people have been caught in illegal possession of nuclear materials. Our scientific experts must work closely with the police to ensure the situation is brought to control," he told reporters after closing a week-long training course on combating illicit trafficking in radioactive materials for police officers from various African states.
He said police are worried with the mining of uranium, a radioactive mineral, set to commence in due course, there was a likelihood of nuclear materials, which are hazardous to people's health, falling into wrong hands of illegal traffickers or improperly trained practitioners.
He emphasised that police need specialised training on how to handle nuclear materials and deal with those involved in illegal trafficking. He added that a random survey have found out that some traffickers were transporting radioactive materials in ordinary bags, exposing people to the dangers.
The CID chief specifically called on experts working with the Tanzania Atomic Energy Commission (Taec) to work closely with the police who are not yet well versed with the dangers posed by nuclear hazards or uranium and other radioactive minerals soon to be mined in the country.
Speaking when closing the training attended by over 40 senior police and intelligence officers from 22 African countries, Mr Manumba cited unlawful possession, use, transfer, alteration and dispersal of radioactive materials as potential sources of danger that can cause death and injuries to people.
"They may also include theft or robbery or radioactive materials. They may also include embezzlement or fraudulent obtaining of the materials. All these acts are criminal which can be minimised or eliminated by an effective legal enforcement," he pointed out.
However, he noted that eventual success in prosecution of the suspects would always depend on how the frontline officers (police and experts in nuclear technology) were legally competent in preparing investigations and prosecutions.
A nuclear security expert from the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Adam Bacheller, said the course was among a series of activities taken by the specialised UN body to create awareness among the law enforcement agencies in Africa on the nuclear hazards.
"Illegal trafficking of radioactive materials, radiation control and proper handling of nuclear materials are key areas of concern for many countries, especially known for terrorism threats across the globe," he said.
Taec acting director general Firmin Banzi, said the police and intelligence officers have been acquainted with new skills and experiences which was important tools in fighting the growing global threat of illicit trafficking of radioactive materials.
Recently, Taec warned against lack of effective protection measures in the industries, mines and other work places where radiation technology is used and closed 30 X-ray centres for failure to abide by the safety measures.
It says lack of effective radiation protection infrastructures posed occupational risks to workers through exposure to ionising radiation. The state-run agency said although Tanzania has seen increased use of nuclear techniques such as the atomic energy, many facilities possessed and used throughout the country lacked effective radiation control.
Source The Citizen.
