72 Million Dollar Worth of Radioactive Material Seized in Turkey

Police in northern Turkey have seized 18 grams of californium, a radioactive element valued at approximately 72 million dollars. This was reported by the Haberler newspaper. The authorities conducted the operation in the city of Bolu.

It is noted that the radioactive material was discovered during a search of a vehicle, where it was hidden in a transfer box.

Californium is an artificial chemical element and is one of the rare elements on Earth, with 17 isotopes. One gram of californium costs about 4 million dollars. Annually, 40-60 grams of californium are produced in the U.S. and Russia.