Polish border guards intercepted a $100 bill with radiation levels nearly 2,000 times the acceptable norm during a routine check at the Medyka crossing.
Radioactive Currency Intercepted
A radiological incident occurred during a routine check at the pedestrian border crossing in Medyka. Authorities detected a $100 bill carried by a traveler with radiation levels almost two thousand times higher than permitted.
The incident immediately triggered security protocols and consultations with the State Atomic Agency.
Border Guard Intervention
The Bieszczady Border Guard Division in Medyka prevented the import of the radioactive $100 bill. The alarm was triggered when systems detected the 54-year-old Ukrainian citizen during passport control, indicating a significant increase in background radiation levels.
Radiation Levels Exceed Norms
The radioactive banknote significantly exceeded the permissible radiation level.
Isotope Analysis and Findings
A detailed inspection of the traveler’s luggage, containing a total of $9,900, revealed a single $100 bill as the source. Specialized equipment confirmed that the radiation level in this specific case was 1905 times higher than the background level.
Isotopic analysis identified the radiation source as an isotope used for medical purposes.
Security Measures and Outcome
Following safety procedures, the contaminated banknote was isolated in a special container, and the State Atomic Agency was consulted. Despite the traveler stating the funds were intended for vehicle purchase, she was denied entry into Poland.
The foreign national, along with the secured currency, was returned to Ukraine.
Border Security Protocols
A spokesperson for the Bieszczady Border Guard Division emphasized that preventing the illegal trafficking of radioactive materials is a statutory obligation. All Polish border crossings are equipped with modern, stationary radiation monitoring devices operating 24/7.
A similar case of contaminated currency was recorded at the same border crossing in December 2025.
