Ricin Production Plot
Earlier this week, the Gujarat Anti-Terrorist Squad arrested three men, one of whom was a doctor with a “Chinese medical degree,” for allegedly attempting to produce the lethal chemical compound known as Ricin. The accused planned a terror attack targeting several locations, including the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh office in Lucknow, the Agriculture Produce Market Committee in Azadpur, Delhi, and the fruit market in Naroda, Ahmedabad.
Understanding Ricin
Characteristics and Extraction
- Ricin is a protein extracted from the castor bean, primarily grown for castor oil production in India, Brazil, and China.
- The seeds contain 30% to 60% castor oil, with ricin comprising 1% to 5% of the solid residue's weight.
- Ricin is easily extracted from seeds, making it a significant concern for law enforcement due to its high lethality in small doses.
Effects and Symptoms
- Ricin binds to ribosomes, halting protein synthesis and potentially causing multi-organ failure and death.
- Ingestion can lead to severe vomiting, diarrhea, hallucinations, seizures, and eventually multi-organ failure.
- Inhalation can cause respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing, coughing, and chest tightness.
Challenges in Treatment
- No antidote exists for ricin poisoning; treatment is symptomatic.
- Symptoms must be managed due to ricin's rapid absorption before hospital arrival.
Historical and Military Context
Military Interest and Research
- Ricin's high toxicity and availability attracted military interest, notably during World War I and II.
- Attempts were made to weaponize ricin, including Iraq's efforts in 1980 to develop it as an inhalable aerosol.
Classification and Criminal Use
- Ricin is classified as a Schedule 1 toxin under the Chemical Weapons Convention, similar to nerve agents like sarin gas.
- Notable criminal use includes the assassination of dissident Bulgarian journalist Gorgi Markov in 1978.
