Terrorist ‘Shopping List’ Cited by Customs Service

The U.S. Customs Service identified about 100 technologies, weapons and other items that make up a “shopping list for terrorist organizations,” and it is asking businesses to help prevent such items from falling into the wrong hands.

“We must be prepared for the possibility that international terrorist organizations will attempt to acquire these sensitive materials from legitimate U.S. manufacturers,” Customs Commissioner Robert C. Bonner said.

Although he wouldn’t identify the items, he said some were related to producing nuclear, chemical and biological weapons. For example, one chemical used to produce dyes and inks is also a key ingredient in mustard gas, he said.