Authorities speak about radioactive equipment that disappeared in southern New Mexico

JUAREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) -- After U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission radioactive equipment disappeared in Southern New Mexico this weekend, Juarez authorities say the equipment is unlikely to cross into Mexico.

Roberto Briones, the director of the Juarez Civil Protection, told ABC-7 this is not the first time his department has been alerted about something like this.

The city's civil protection is working with the state and the Mexican federal government, as well as coordinating with U.S. authorities, to find this item.

The radioactive equipment was described as a container with Iridium-192, a substance used for medical treatments and in the oil industry.

Right now there is an alert issued for the Mexican states of Chihuahua and Sonora. Authorities say they do not know when the alert will be removed.

According to Juarez Civil Protection, even though it is unlikely this item will be taken over to Mexico, it can be fatal for anyone who has contact with it.

Authorities on both sides say they are aware of the risks of this item and that's why they're coordinating to locate it.