Sheremetyevo customs officers blocked an attempt to take more than 14,000 cut topazes and garnets worth RUB 10 million out of Russia, seizing the stones from a foreign national’s hand luggage on a flight to Delhi. Source: FCS Russia.
The traveller, aged 37, was screened via the green channel. An X-ray scan revealed a box of red, brown and blue minerals packed in zip-lock bags. He told inspectors the items were glass imitations of gemstones.
Laboratory testing found natural topazes and garnets instead, with pear, oval, round and cushion cuts.
Authorities are deciding whether to open a criminal case under Article 226.1(1) of the Russian Criminal Code for smuggling strategically important goods. The offence carries up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of RUB 300,000 to RUB 1 million.
