Four arrested for possessing 2.5 kg of unprocessed uranium in Nepal

Four Nepal nationals were arrested for possessing 2.5 kg of unprocessed Uranium in Kathmandu. The accused will be charged under the Explosives Act.

Kathmandu: Four Nepalese men were arrested here on Saturday for possession of 2.5 kg of unprocessed uranium, police said.

A house in the Boudha area was raided, based on a tip-off, and four persons were found hiding 2.5 kg of Uranium 238, officials said at a press briefing.

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This is perhaps the first time that arrests have been made in connection to uranium smuggling, they said.

The arrested -- two aged 20 years and two aged 40 years -- will be charged under the Explosives Act.

Uranium 238 is a natural occurring metal. Its enriched form can be used to generate electricity and nuclear weapons. Processed uranium costs about USD 150 million per kilogram.

PTI

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