Home where 52 vials containing radioactive isotopes were seized is owned by a Border Force official

Fifty-two vials containing low-level radioactive isotopes seized from Arncliffe as man, 23, assists Border Force with inquiries into allegedly illicit materials imported from overseas

Several emergency response units, including the ABF, NSW Police, Fire and Rescue NSW, ambulances and the EPA, attend the scene in Sydney's Arncliffe where hazardous materials were uncovered during an Australian Border Force raid on a suburban home. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Nicholas Eagar

The Sydney flat from which radioactive material was seized in a raid by Australian Border Force officials on Thursday is owned by an ABF official.

The man who owns the home in Kelsey St, Arncliffe, where 52 vials of low-level radioactive isotopes were seized on Thursday is not a person of interest in the case.

Neighbours said the man lived at the address with his family.

A 23-year-old man also ­believed to live at the property is assisting Border Force with ­inquiries.

An ABF spokesperson said: “The ABF conducts precise operational activity under the relevant legislative powers, as required, in response to targeted intelligence and thorough risk assessments.

“At the forefront of our minds at all times during this operation was the safety and wellbeing of community members and all officers involved.

“It is important to note that no charges have yet been laid as a result of this operation, and that it is subject to ongoing investigation.’’

Officers are thought to have gone to the flat with a search warrant after identifying allegedly illicit material being imported into Australia from overseas via airfreight.

Tape surrounds a building after the Australian Border Force raided a Sydney apartment block amid media reports ‘nuclear isotopes’ had been found. Picture: AFP

They called in reinforcements from other emergency services after discovering the vials.

The vials are believed to contain low-level radioactive material, which can be used legitimately in some industries but is heavily restricted and can only be imported with a permit.

Authorities do not appear to be treating the unusual seizure as a national security threat but an apparent breach of the Customs Act, which relates to items being moved across Australia’s borders.

The vials are being tested individually to determine their contents, with radioactive isotope U238, the most common isotope found in nature, a possibility.

One official in a hazmat suit was carrying a bucket marked with the word “mercury’’, a metal used in the mining industry to extract chemicals, and which is also used in electronic devices.

Three people were taken to hospital for observation as a result of exposure to the vials, but none is showing signs of illness and it’s thought no one has been exposed to radiation.

ABF agents wrapped up their search at 10.20pm on Thursday after arriving at the flat at 8am with a search warrant.

Australian Border Force agents gather equipment outside the apartment block. Picture: AFP

Fire and Rescue NSW, NSW Police and the Environment Protection Authority were called to the scene after the vials were discovered, and the road was cordoned off.

The Kelsey Street building is divided into four flats; on Friday, no one was at home in the flat that was searched. Neighbours said emergency service personnel had said something had been received in the post.

“The warrant activity was conducted after ABF officers detected a range of illicit substances being imported through air cargo in Sydney,’’ a Border Force spokesman said.

“As part of this operation, the ABF located and seized 52 vials of suspected hazardous substances. The vials have been transferred to the appropriate facilities, where they will be subject to testing.

“A 23-year-old Australian national male is assisting with investigations, which remain ongoing.

“At this time, there is no evidence to suggest that this incident poses any kind of national security risk.’’

ABF deputy commissioner of national operations Tim Fitzgerald said the vials had been safely transferred for testing and evaluation, and he praised officers and partner agencies for their work “in extremely testing circumstances”.

While the ABF has refused to say what material was inside the vials, Fire and Rescue NSW on Thursday night said: “Specialist crews located low-level radioactive isotopes, commonly used in several industries, at the location.”