The Comision Nacional de Seguridad Nuclear y Salvaguardias (CNSNS), the Mexican nuclear regulator, has informed the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that a radioactive source stolen during a robbery on 8 February near the city of Salamanca, Guanajuato State, in central Mexico has been recovered.
The CNSNS said it was informed by the licensee (the company authorised to own and use the radioactive source) at 17:00 UTC on 10 February that it had recovered the source in the town of Sarabia, Guanajuato State.
The Iridium-192 radioactive source was contained in a radiography camera used to inspect welding and concrete for hidden flaws. The camera was stolen from a vehicle used by the licensee.
The licensee informed the CNSNS that the radioactive source, which was found intact in its shielding within the radiography camera, was safely transported back to the licensee’s facility. A criminal investigation into the robbery is ongoing and the CNSNS plan to carry out an inspection into the case.
The IAEA remains in contact with authorities in Mexico.
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