Fronteras

A container of radioactive waste stolen at gunpoint in Mexico was found Wednesday afternoon.

The container carried cobalt-60, a dangerous radioactive material used in radiation therapy to treat cancer.

The driver had left Tijuana and was outside Mexico City when the robbery occurred late Monday night. International nuclear watchdogs announced the robbery Wednesday morning.

But by the afternoon the truck and the stolen waste had been found.

Speaking on Mexican television, Mexico’s nuclear safety director said those who stole it opened the lead container storing the waste and have not been found. But he said they are likely suffering from radiation sickness by now.

He said the outlying population is not at risk.