SYDNEY: A house in a locality south of Sydney was raided by Australian Border Police and what was found is believed to be ‘nuclear isotopes’.
Arncliffe suburbs were cordoned off by police in the early morning with warning tapes mentioning toxic, nuclear or biological hazards inside.
The small apartment was marked by warning tapes reading contaminated area, do not enter, hot zone.
A local TV reported that mercury and uranium isotopes were found inside, while the national daily reported that officers found nuclear isotopes.
The Australian Border Force (ABF) has not confirmed media reports of radioactive material being present at or near the facility.
“The ABF can confirm that it is conducting an operation today in Arncliffe, New South Wales, with the support of… emergency services,” a Border Force spokesman said.
“All appropriate security measures are being implemented.
“People in the vicinity of the scene are urged to follow all instructions from emergency services.”
Sam Abraham, 19, was trying to get home when he came across a closed road.
“It’s scary to find uranium in your neighbour’s house, you come down the street and the police are there,” he told AFP.
“That doesn’t usually happen in Arncliffe.
Nemr Khamis, 60, told the news agency: “In the morning I heard loud trucks and all that stuff, I looked out the window and saw an ambulance and firemen.
“Then I had to go out and look, then I went back in. I showered and came back and when I came back I had the baby with me and the police told me to go inside.
Khamis called his relatives and inquired what is happening who told him that there is some uranium on the street not far from the unit.
The Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA) refused to confirm the presence of nuclear material.
“ARPANSA will continue to support the relevant state and federal agencies in the ongoing process and resolution of the situation,” the spokesperson said.
