| Home | Information Sharing & Analysis | Prevention & Protection | Preparedness & Response | Research | Commerce & Trade | Travel Security & Procedures | Immigration |
| About the Department | Open for Business | Press Room |
The threat level in the airline sector is High or Orange. Read more.
Release Date: 06/13/03 00:00:00
For Immediate Release
Office of the Press Secretary
June 13, 2003
In October 2002, Homeland Security agents based in Bangkok, Thailand, received information about the potential sale of enriched, or weapons-grade, uranium in Asia. Department of Homeland Security agents immediately began working with the Royal Thai Police and the U.S. Embassy on an investigation into this matter.
From October 2002 through June 2003, Homeland Security agents in Bangkok coordinated closely with the Royal Thai Police in a series of undercover meetings with the suspects involved in this operation.
As a result of these meetings, a sample material was obtained by undercover officers from the Royal Thai Police. The sample was then tested by the Thai Atomic Energy Commission. Preliminary analysis determined that the substance was in fact, Cesium-137.
Homeland Security agents and Royal Thai Police then arranged another meeting with the suspects in order to discuss future transactions of these materials. At that meeting, on June 13, Royal Thai Police arrested the suspect, Narong Penanam.
"This enforcement action represents an outstanding example of international cooperation in disrupting the proliferation of radiological material. Homeland Security agents worked in partnership with Thai authorities and the U.S. Embassy on the front lines to halt the sale of these potentially dangerous materials," said Secretary Tom Ridge.
This page was last modified on 06/13/03 00:00:00