US agencies join Turkish counterparts for training in combating nuclear smuggling

Representatives of the National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) worked with the Turkish National Police last month to provide radiation detection systems and training.

Their goal was to enhance capabilities to detect smuggled nuclear and radiological materials. As part of that, agents went to the Turkish International Academy Against Drugs and Organized Crime and provided both hands-on exercises and classroom lectures.

“The recently completed training with the Turkish National Police is an important step toward expanding our relationship with a key partner in a strategically significant region of the world,” David Huizenga, acting deputy administrator for Defense Nuclear Nonproliferation, said. “We look forward to continuing to work with the Turkish government to prevent nuclear and radiological smuggling.”

The NNSA said the project has been a longstanding priority, as it seeks to enhance the radiological and nuclear detection capabilities of Turkey–a U.S. and NATO ally.