In a joint operation involving the United States Attorney for the Southern District of New York, the Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department's National Security Division, and the Administrator of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, Takeshi Ebisawa has been charged with conspiring to traffic nuclear materials from Burma to other countries. Ebisawa, along with his associates, allegedly attempted to sell materials containing uranium and weapons-grade plutonium for use in a nuclear weapons program.

The indictment reveals that Ebisawa showed samples of the nuclear materials in Thailand to a DEA undercover agent posing as a narcotics and weapons trafficker. With the help of Thai authorities, the samples were seized and transferred to U.S. law enforcement. Subsequent analysis confirmed the presence of uranium and weapons-grade plutonium in the samples.

Ebisawa and his co-defendant, Somphop Singhasiri, were previously charged with international narcotics trafficking and firearms offenses. Both have been ordered detained and will be arraigned on the new charges before U.S. District Judge Colleen McMahon. U.S. Attorney Damian Williams emphasized the serious nature of the allegations, praising the efforts of law enforcement in protecting national security.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen expressed concern over the accused's actions, highlighting the potential threats to U.S. national security and international stability. DEA Administrator Anne Milgram commended the prosecution team for their work in addressing the trafficking of drugs, weapons, and nuclear materials.

The case, part of an Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces operation, was conducted with the assistance of various law enforcement agencies in different countries, showcasing the collaborative efforts to combat organized crime. The charges against Ebisawa and Singhasiri include conspiracy to commit international trafficking of nuclear materials and narcotics importation conspiracy.

The defendants remain innocent until proven guilty, with sentencing to be determined by the court. The investigation underscores the importance of international cooperation in combating transnational crimes that pose significant threats to global security.