Inspection Report: IG-0592

Actions Taken in Response to Missing Hazardous Waste Containing Cyanide

Office of Inspector General

March 2, 2003

March 1, 2003

Actions Taken in Response to Missing Hazardous Waste Containing Cyanide

Recently, the U.S. Government has become increasingly sensitive to the potential for terrorists to use certain materials as weapons of mass destruction. A report completed by the Central Intelligence Agency stated that “The threat from terrorists using a weapon of mass destruction has increased since Sept. 11, and extremist groups appear most interested in chemicals like cyanide.” For example, in February 2002, four suspected terrorists were arrested in Italy in possession of cyanide and maps of Rome pinpointing the U.S. Embassy and the city’s drinking water network.

  • Inspection Report: IG-0592 (93.17 KB)
    Recently, the U.S. Government has become increasingly
    sensitive to the potential for terrorists to use certain
    materials as weapons of mass destruction. A report
    completed by the Central Intelligence Agency stated that
    “The threat from terrorists using a weapon of mass
    destruction has increased since Sept. 11, and extremist
    groups appear most interested in chemicals like cyanide.”
    For example, in February 2002, four suspected terrorists
    were arrested in Italy in possession of cyanide and maps of
    Rome pinpointing the U.S. Embassy and the city’s drinking
    water network.