Nuclear forensics case in Croatia: elevated U and Ra radioactive material found at Karasovi?i border

A case of illegal possession of suspect material at the Karasovici border crossing in Croatia was recently recorded and resolved. An increased activity of 226Ra was detected in the suspect material. The seized material consisted of 2 types of samples, black powder and jewellery. The material was analysed by the high-resolution gamma spectrometry method in the Laboratory for Radioecology of the Ruder Boskovic Institute. The seized material was confirmed to contain uranium. The material was additionally analysed by the X-ray diffraction method. Identified mineral phases have not been found in Croatia so far, therefore it is not possible that the material in question originates from Croatia.