Examination of Firearms Review: 2007 to 2010 - Interpol

3.1 Chemical
Chemical warfare agents (CWA) have been used in the past by terrorist
groups as in the case of the sarin attack in the Tokyo subway in 1995, but
these high end agents have remained mostly aspirational. The opportunistic
nature of most terrorist groups has seen a shift towards using more easily
available toxic industrial chemicals in attacks, such as the recent use of
chlorine in Iraq to enhance improvised explosive devices. Other toxic
chemicals of interest are readily generated gases, pesticides or even heavy
metals such as thallium. 6
3.2 Biological
The 2001 Amerithrax case 7 and aspirations of groups like Al Qaida 8 have
brought anthrax into the limelight and many hoaxes, also known as “white
powder incidents”, are based on this fear. However, this agent is not that easy
to prepare and forensic investigators are more likely to encounter other types
of biological agents. 9 Plague is a potential bioterrorism agent that cannot be
ignored although several technical hurdles remain. However, many natural
toxins such as ricin or abrin are readily prepared and can be used to poison
small numbers of individuals. In general, such toxins are more likely to be
used than bacteriological agents such as anthrax, or viruses that are even
harder to culture.
3.3 Radiological and nuclear
Although the use of a nuclear device by a terrorist group is highly unlikely, the
use of radioactive materials to cause harm is a much more likely scenario. It is
technically infeasible to manufacture radiological material in a clandestine
laboratory as such preparations require access to a nuclear reactor.
Nevertheless, the assembly of an Radiological Dispersion Device using
illicitly-acquired radioactive material and conventional explosives might be
achieved in a clandestine laboratory.
4. Detection
The greatest concern to the investigator is the hazards of the CBRN
environment, hence rapid identification of the agent is essential. Information
gathered from the crime scene will help determine the likely impact and risks
to crime scene examiners and the general public 10 . However, the need for
personal protective equipment (PPE) can severely limit the capability of crime
scene investigators to gather appropriate and adequate evidence. If CBRN
agents have been released in a public place, there will be pressure to rapidly
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