Japanese thief throws radioactive material in river

09/05/2008 01:17:18

Japanese police say they've arrested a businessman has been arrested for stealing a small amount of radioactive material and throwing it in a river.

Police say Tomonori Iso stole a metal container holding a sealed, 2-millimetre section of iridium-192 from a firm he was working for as a subcontractor.

They say he broke the container in two parts, and then threw it in a river, from where the material's now been retrieved.

It's believed Mr Iso may have held a grudge against his company or the contractor.

The Science Ministry has told police the incident has had no apparent impact on human health.

Produced by Radio Australia and Australia Network