It Started with a Drone, but What They Found Missing Will Blow Your Mind!

In a puzzling and alarming turn of events, a small radioactive device containing Germanium-68 (Ge-68) has vanished during its transportation from a cancer center in New Jersey. The disappearance has prompted an urgent response from federal and state authorities and sparked widespread public speculation, including theories linked to mysterious drone activity in the area.

What Went Wrong?

The incident occurred on December 2 when a calibration device used in cancer scans disappeared en route from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield. According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC), the package that was meant to house the device arrived at its destination empty and damaged. The missing component, referred to as a “pin source,” contained 0.267 millicuries (mCi) of Ge-68 and is now unaccounted for.

Assessing the Risk: Public Safety in Question

Initial news of the incident caused alarm, but experts have since clarified that the radioactive device poses a low threat to public safety. Officials reassured concerned citizens by comparing the radiation level to that of a standard CT scan. “It emits the same amount of radiation as a regular CT scan,” authorities explained. The NRC has categorized the event as “less than a Category 3,” meaning the risk to the public is minimal.

Despite the reassurances, the public remains uneasy, especially with reports of low-flying drones in the area. This has further fueled speculation about a connection between the missing device and these unidentified sightings. “Drones flying low at night are often searching for something,” noted John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon Aerospace, suggesting the drones could be part of a search effort for the radioactive material.

Government and Security Response

High-ranking officials have swiftly moved to calm public fears. National Security Communication Advisor John Kirby emphasized that there is no evidence of a safety or security threat. Similarly, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas dismissed any notions of foreign interference in the situation.

While the disappearance of radioactive materials is rare, it is not unprecedented. In 2023, ten radioactive seeds went missing from Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, and in 2021, a nuclear moisture density gauge vanished in North Carolina.

The FBI Steps In

The FBI has taken over the investigation, with Assistant Director Robert Wheeler confirming their involvement during a congressional hearing. Wheeler revealed that out of more than 3,000 drone sighting reports logged within a week, fewer than 100 warranted further investigation.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has consistently raised concerns about the potential misuse of radioactive materials. Incidents like these highlight vulnerabilities, including the risk of materials being used in “dirty bombs,” although no such threat has been confirmed in this case.

Lingering Questions and Ongoing Monitoring

As the investigation continues, the circumstances surrounding the missing device remain unclear. Authorities maintain that there is no immediate danger to the public, yet the combination of missing radioactive material and drone sightings has left many unsettled.

Experts stress the importance of rigorous safety measures in the handling and transportation of sensitive materials. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and responsibilities tied to the secure management of radioactive substances.

For now, the mystery persists, and the public can only wait as investigators work to unravel the full story behind this troubling disappearance.