The Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) reported the disappearance of a Ge-68 radioactive pin source used for calibrating medical imaging equipment. The material went missing on December 2 while being shipped for disposal in Newfield, New Jersey.

The shipment was found damaged and empty upon arrival, according to a report filed by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) on December 3. The Ge-68 pin, used to calibrate PET/CT scanners, had an activity level of 0.267 mCi.

NJ Major Melham revealed a shipment of radioactive material went missing on December 2nd after arriving damaged and empty at its destination. “There’s an alert out right now. It was lost in New Jersey in transit.”

pic.twitter.com/Jtgr8OF4y2

— Luke Rudkowski (@Lukewearechange) December 17, 2024

The NRC classified the missing material as “less than Category 3,” meaning it poses minimal risk to public safety. Regulations require incidents involving lost radioactive materials above certain thresholds to be reported immediately, with a full investigation and corrective actions submitted within 30 days if the material is not recovered.

Well the US Nuclear Regulatory Commission just dropped this nugget.. Seems they lost a container of radioactive material in NJ.. would explain the drones.. just sayin: https://t.co/raFZhsZntS

— TiltedTactics (@TiltedTactics) December 17, 2024

The pin source, identified as an Eckert & Ziegler model, had been used at the Nazha Cancer Center before being sent for disposal. The NJDEP noted that the shipping container’s condition suggested mishandling during transport.

#dronesoverNJ Seems like the Govt lost some nuclear materials and we have 1000s of terrorists in the country thanks to Joe and Kamala!!
NJ Mayor Thinks Mystery Drones Are Looking for ‘Radioactive Material’ that Went Missing Weeks Agohttps://t.co/X31XMdKJrh

— Rodger Sayles (@RodgerSayles77) December 18, 2024

Reports of unusual drone sightings in New Jersey have sparked speculation about a possible connection to the missing material, although no official link has been confirmed.

The NRC stated the risk of harm from the Ge-68 source is low due to its small radioactive quantity. The licensee responsible for the shipment has filed a claim with the shipping company as recovery efforts continue.