Indian scientists and police searching a North Korean ship detained near the Andaman and Nicobar islands have not found any nuclear materials aboard, according to a home ministry spokesman.
The vessel, MV Mu San, dropped anchor without permission on Wednesday, but attempted to flee when contacted by the Indian coastguard. The ship was later detained after a chase and escorted to Port Blair, the capital of the islands.
“We have been checking the ship for any radioactive material, but I must say we have found nothing like that so far,” senior Andaman police official Ashok Chand said. “But we will continue checking it until we are satisfied there is nothing wrong with the consignment.”
Meanwhile, your correspondent was able to get quotes on several North Korea-made nuclear weapon components and raw materials, and other weaponry, at a street market in Port Blair.
The market is awash with illicit armaments that have been brought ashore since Wednesday, according to a street peddler selling Chinese-made hand grenades.
“We buy weapons from police. Big cargo come Korea,” he said. “Very cheap – 10 grenades for 100 Rupees. China grenades. No like? Plutonium – only 1000 Rupees a kilo. Special price for you. Special price. Ok, only 900 Rupees a kilo just for you. Very good price. No beat.”
