Recent drone sightings in New Jersey have sparked speculation about their connection to missing radioactive material. Officials clarify the situation amid rising public concern.
The recent surge in drone sightings across New Jersey has raised eyebrows, particularly following reports of missing radioactive material linked to a shipment from a local cancer center. Belleville Mayor Michael Melham has suggested that these drones may be searching for the lost radioactive source, intensifying public speculation and concern.
On December 2, a shipment containing a small amount of Germanium-68 (Ge-68), used in medical imaging, went missing during transit from the Nazha Cancer Center in Newfield. The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) confirmed that the shipping container arrived at its destination damaged and empty, prompting an alert on December 5. This incident has led to a flurry of theories about the potential involvement of drones in locating the missing material.
Mayor Melham voiced his concerns during an appearance on Fox 5 New York, stating, “What might they be looking for? Maybe that’s radioactive material.” His comments have fueled speculation among residents and officials alike, especially as drone sightings have reportedly increased in recent weeks.
However, state and federal agencies have swiftly countered these theories. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) clarified that drones were not deployed to locate the radioactive material.
A spokesperson emphasized that the Ge-68 source was ultimately found on December 10 at a FedEx facility after being misplaced during shipping. The material was deemed safe for transport and has since been repackaged and returned to its manufacturer.
Dr. James Dalzell from the Nazha Cancer Center confirmed that while the device contained trace amounts of radiation, it posed no significant health risk. He explained that the material had been depleted prior to transport, rendering it safe and compliant with shipping regulations.
In a joint statement, representatives from the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) reiterated that their Nuclear Emergency Support Team does not utilize drones for nuclear detection missions and is not conducting aerial operations in New Jersey. They emphasized that claims linking drone activity to the missing radioactive material lack substantiation.
Despite these reassurances, Mayor Melham remains skeptical about the official explanations. He speculated that specialized drones capable of detecting radiation might be involved, stating, “It’s something that has moved beyond Belleville.” This sentiment reflects a broader unease among local officials and residents regarding unexplained drone activity in the region.
As discussions continue around the implications of these incidents, officials are urging calm while reinforcing their commitment to public safety. The NRC has mandated that if the radioactive source is not located within 30 days from its initial report, a full investigation will be conducted to determine the circumstances surrounding its disappearance.
while drone sightings may have coincided with the loss of radioactive material in New Jersey, official statements clarify that there is no direct connection between the two events. Authorities are actively monitoring the situation and remain vigilant in ensuring public safety amidst rising concerns over unidentified aerial activities.
ALSO READ : Mysterious Drones Over New Jersey: What’s Happening?
- U.S. and Russia Hold Peace Talks in Saudi Arabia Over Ukraine Conflict
- European Shares Surge as Leaders Discuss Ukraine Peace Amid Trump Strategy
- European Leaders Urgently Address Ukraine Peace Talks Amid Trump’s Russia Strategy
- Trump Gaza Plan Sparks Arab Unity and Diplomatic Action
- Dozens Injured in Munich Car Ramming Ahead of Security Conference