Shocking: Chemical weapons seized at Eötvös Loránd University?

Chemical compounds classified as chemical weapons may have been found in a laboratory at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE). ELTE has neither confirmed nor denied that these are life-threatening substances.

Chemical weapons found at ELTE?

Chemical compounds classified as chemical weapons may have been found in one of the laboratories of ELTE, RTL Híradó reported. Nearly 40 vials containing dangerous substances were seized by the authorities on Tuesday evening at the Faculty of Natural Sciences.

According to RTL, sarin, mustard gas and tabun were among the substances. ELTE did not confirm or deny that these substances were involved. As they wrote, on Tuesday evening, in one of ELTE’s laboratories, researchers discovered an old-labeled chemical that was originally considered dangerous, but is now presumed to be completely degraded.

The competent authorities were immediately informed and they promptly secured the site. The residues found were transported for testing and destruction. ELTE researchers, teachers and students were not in any danger during the incident, and on-site tests in the laboratory environment did not reveal any harmful substances. Teaching and research in the building could continue unhindered the next morning.

ELTE Faculty of Sciences. Source: ELTE TTK

Quick and unfriendly death

The response from the National Police Headquarters revealed that an investigation has been launched into the case, and “in the interest of the ongoing proceedings” they are not disclosing any details.

According to security policy expert József Kis-Benedek, the listed agents belong to the category of chemical weapons. “They cause quick and unfriendly deaths,” he said. According to him, similar nerve agents had been used in Iraq, among other places. “Even a little can result in serious injuries,” he added.

According to József Kis-Benedek, this is why these agents are used in war situations. They are not substances that are harmless in a civilian environment. The security policy expert stressed that universities can store and use these dangerous substances for experimental purposes if they have been declared to the TEK (Counter Terrorism Centre). Otherwise, if a citizen becomes aware of the use of neurotoxins, they should immediately notify the authorities.

Update: official police statement

Yesterday, a statement appeared on the website of the Hungarian police:

“On the evening of 12 September 2023, unknown chemicals were found in a laboratory at Eötvös Loránd University (ELTE).Following the notification of the authorities, several units of both the police and the Hungarian Defence Forces went to the scene and all incriminated substances were transported to the MH Sordó László 102nd Chemical Warfare Regiment, MH HAVÁRIA Laboratory for identification. The National Investigation Office of the Hungarian Police Service has initiated criminal proceedings in the case with the involvement of the chemical protection experts of the Hungarian Defence Forces.”

The primary expert tests concluded that the substances found in the university laboratory did not contain any toxic compounds dangerous to humans. Further expert investigations are ongoing.

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