Barry and Thread, Hijacking of Truck Carrying 7.6 Tons Of Poison Raises Terrorism Concerns
Mexicans Search For Lost Cyanide
By Mary Jordan
Washington Post Foreign Service
Tuesday, May 28, 2002; Page A13
MEXICO CITY, May 27 -- Nearly eight tons of sodium cyanide hijacked from a truck in central Mexico this month is still missing despite an extensive law enforcement search, heightening concerns that it poses a potential security threat in Mexico and the United States.
The truck was hijacked May 10 in Hidalgo state, about 100 miles north of Mexico City. The truck was recovered last week but most of the cyanide -- 7.6 tons packed in 76 drums -- was missing.
Sodium cyanide is routinely used in silver mining, and Mexico is the world's largest producer of silver. The chemical is commonly used in gas chamber executions, and even trace amounts can be deadly when inhaled or ingested.
...
U.S. officials are concerned that the cyanide could be heading north, and border officials are watching for it, according to the FBI and other U.S. law enforcement agencies offering help in the search. U.S. intelligence officials have reported uncovering plans to use cyanide or other chemicals to attack U.S. targets. Earlier this year, nine men suspected of having ties to al Qaeda were arrested in Italy and found to be in possession of a cyanide-based substance and maps of Rome with the U.S. Embassy and the city's water supply system highlighted.
...
Osorio, the Hidalgo state official, said both incidents highlight the need for greater regulation. He said that if the truck had been carrying television sets, it probably would have been accompanied by an armed guard."
washingtonpost.com
Why wasn't this reported in the SJMN?
City water is frequently tested, but is bottled water?
Geez, my emotional take on this is, close the Mexican border until Mexican law requires a guard to be posted in vehicles that are transporting chemicals. Labor is incredibly inexpensive in Mexico, even for Mexican businesses.
Regards,
Amy J |
