NRC Reports Missing Radioactive Source in New Jersey; Speculation Rises Over Drone Activity

(TJV) On Friday, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) released a report (Event Number: 57455) detailing the loss of a radioactive source during transport in Newfield, New Jersey, on December 2.

The radioactive material, licensed to Nazha Cancer Center, was being sent for disposal. However, the shipping container arrived damaged, and the source was missing.

According to the NRC, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) received a report from the licensee on December 3. The lost item, a Ge-68 pin source (model HEGL-0132 by Eckert & Ziegler) with an approximate activity of 0.267 mCi, had gone missing in transit. The NJDEP email, included in the NRC’s report, stated:

“The licensee has filed a claim with the shipper. If the source is not located within 30 days, the licensee will submit a full written report, including root causes and corrective actions.”

While the radioactive source is categorized as being below IAEA Category 3, meaning it is unlikely to cause permanent injury or harm in most circumstances, mishandling or prolonged exposure to unshielded material could result in temporary injuries.

The incident has sparked speculation. Some suggest the recent appearance of mysterious drones in New Jersey and other areas may be connected. Political commentator Officer Lew referenced the possibility on social media, saying, “This might be the reason for the drones… just speculation at this point.”

Social media influencer Mila Joy echoed similar sentiments on Saturday, citing an analysis by John Ferguson, CEO of Saxon Aerospace, who commented on the surge of drone activity in the region.

Though the material is not considered a high-level threat, missing radioactive sources can theoretically be weaponized, such as in the construction of dirty bombs—devices combining conventional explosives with radioactive material to create fallout.

Notably, Infowars reported in October that unusual drone sightings might signal potential national security concerns, fueling further theories about the connection between this missing source and recent drone activity.