According to the Siberian Times:
SWAT team ambush illegal cargo at night in open seas off coast of the Democratic People’s Republic.
The high-quality jade from the Republic of Buryatia was being exported to China without export documents. Its value was put at 50 million roubles or $800,000. Customs spokeswoman Tatiana Shichanina said: ‘We had a tip off that the smuggling was planned and decided to arrange ambush.’
The operation was led from customs vessel ‘Petr Matveev’. Officers seized ten sacks of jade. The crew were detained and taken to Vladivostok.
In China, this mineral is considered a ‘sacred rock’ and it can command a higher price than gold. The value of the ornamental rock in China encourages criminal gangs to collect and smuggle it.
Read the full story here:
Customs seize 3 tons of Siberian jade being smuggled by sea to North Korea en route to China
Siberian Times
2015-10-23
