According to an FCS Russia press release, Domodedovo airport customs stopped smuggling of precious stones worth RUB 15 million.
Two foreign nationals arrived from Asian countries via the UAE on the same day on different flights. On the green channel, officers found a sealed bag with a cream-like mass and four green stones resembling emeralds in the first traveller’s suitcase; three more stones were at the bottom of his backpack. During a personal search he voluntarily produced seven further stones from his wallet.
The second traveller was also stopped on the green channel with a large pink stone in hand luggage. Expert examination confirmed emeralds, rubies, pink corundum, and sapphires.
Two criminal cases were opened under Article 226.1(1) of the Criminal Code, punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment or a fine of up to RUB 1 million.
