Belleville, New Jersey – In a chilling revelation, Belleville Mayor Michael Melham has announced the disappearance of radioactive material in New Jersey, igniting concerns over potential public safety and security threats. The material, which was part of a shipment, went missing on December 2nd after arriving at its intended destination with its container damaged and empty.
According to Mayor Melham, the radioactive substance might have entered the state through Port Newark, a major shipping hub. “We’re aware of a threat that came in through Port Newark. Maybe that’s radioactive material,” Melham stated, highlighting the potential vulnerability of this critical entry point to the U.S.
The material in question is identified as a Ge-68 pin source, used for calibrating medical imaging equipment. This isotope, Germanium-68, is not typically seen as highly hazardous in small quantities but can cause significant harm if mishandled, especially over extended periods. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) has classified this incident as involving “less than Category 3” radioactive material, meaning it is unlikely to cause permanent injury but can still pose health risks if improperly managed or if exposed to individuals for long durations.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, not only due to the immediate health concerns but also because of the broader implications for security and regulatory oversight. The fact that the container was found damaged and empty raises questions about how the material was lost or potentially stolen during transit. Authorities are currently scrambling to trace the path of this shipment, from its departure from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield to its final destination, where the alarming discovery was made.
This event coincides disturbingly with recent reports of mysterious drone activities across New Jersey. While no official connection has been established, Mayor Melham’s mention of drones possibly “looking for something” has fueled speculation that these unmanned aerial vehicles might be involved in a search for or surveillance related to this missing radioactive material. This theory is further exacerbated by comments from John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon Aerospace, who suggested that drones flying low at night could be searching for items like radioactive leaks.
The potential misuse of radioactive materials, even those categorized as low risk, cannot be understated. Historically, such materials have been sought after for nefarious purposes, including the construction of “dirty bombs,” where radioactive substances are combined with conventional explosives to spread radioactive contamination.
Local and federal agencies, including the NRC, are now under intense scrutiny to explain how such a lapse occurred and what measures are being taken to prevent future occurrences. The NRC and the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) are actively investigating the incident, but the silence on the specifics of the investigation only deepens public anxiety.
Residents of New Jersey are urged to stay vigilant. Although the immediate danger is deemed low, the long-term implications of this missing radioactive source could be severe if it falls into the wrong hands or if it remains unrecovered, potentially contaminating areas or being used maliciously.
As this story unfolds, the focus will be on how quickly and transparently authorities can address this threat, restore public trust, and ensure that the infrastructure for handling radioactive materials is fortified against such alarming breaches. The community’s safety hangs in the balance as more answers are desperately needed.
Disclaimer: This article is based on current information available and includes speculative elements regarding the potential implications of the missing radioactive material. The connections to drone activities are based on statements from local officials and industry experts but have not been officially confirmed. The situation is under active investigation, and details may change as more information becomes available.
