Russian customs officers at Moscow’s Domodedovo International Airport have stopped two seemingly unrelated attempts to smuggle gemstones into the country on the same day, according to a statement.
Both suspects, foreign nationals arriving from Asian countries via the United Arab Emirates on separate flights, failed to declare their high-value cargo to customs officials, the Federal Customs Service said on Wednesday
The first traveler drew attention after officers noticed a sealed bag containing a cream-like substance hiding four small suspicious items. Upon inspection, the package was found to contain four emeralds. During a further search, the man volunteered to produce seven additional precious stones in his possession.
The second alleged smuggler was stopped after security agents discovered a large pink gemstone concealed in his carry-on luggage.
In total, officials confiscated a trove of emeralds, rubies, and sapphires with an estimated combined value exceeding $180,000, according to the customs report.
Both individuals are under investigation and face potential fines and prison sentences of up to five years under Russian anti-smuggling laws, the agency said, releasing photos of the seized gemstones as evidence.
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