Illicit Trafficking Of Radioactive Sources: Experiences with Fake Materials in Tanzania

Abstract

Radioactive materials although are very useful, they are one of the catastrophic sources ofmass destruction if misused. These materials have a number of positive uses which makesthem very essential in our modern society. Incidences such as the bombings of the USEmbassies in East Africa, the September 11, and many others had formed a basis forinternational responsive actions to control illicit trafficking of Radioactive and NuclearMaterials. The aim of this work is to track the movements and subsequently uses of thesematerials. Tanzania is one of the countries where International Nuclear Safeguardsprotocols are fully operational and observed. In the efforts of control, a number ofinstitutions have been mobilized nationally to the. While these control efforts are enforced,it is observed that several routes and different radioactive purported sources are importedto Tanzania. Although most of the motives of illegal trafficking intercepted have indicationof radioactivity through marking and signs, there are cases where the material has beenfalsified. On the other hand, the motive behind appears to be not only for use but ratherillegal dealings such as trading. This paper sites these incidences, their causes andinfluences on the control and proposes way forward.