Seizures of 'dirty bomb' materials rise

VIENNA, Oct. 6 (UPI) -- The International Atomic Energy Agency reportedly has found a sharp rise in seizures of smuggled radioactive materials that can be use to make "dirty bombs."

The Times of London, quoting IAEA figures, says such seizures, mostly in Europe, had doubled in the past four years. The report says there have been more than 300 instances of smugglers caught in such trafficking activities since 2002.

The disclosure comes at a time when al-Qaida is reportedly is intensifying its efforts to obtain a radioactive device.

The Times said that last year Western security agencies foiled 16 attempts to smuggle plutonium or uranium and that in other instances small quantities of highly enriched uranium were reported missing. Experts say the smugglers are eyeing hospital X-ray equipment and laboratory supplies as a source of radioactive material.

Investigators fear smugglers are only interested in making money and would have no concern selling the materials to terrorist groups, The Times' report said.

IAEA's Olli Heinonen said while weapons-grade nuclear material smuggling may be rare, there are serious concerns about other sources.

"A dirty bomb is something that needs to be taken seriously. We need to be prepared for anything because anything could happen," he told The Times.