Diamond rings seized by the customs

Batha customs officers foiled an attempt to smuggle 14 kilograms of jewelry that included precious stones, such as diamonds, pearls and gold.

“The jewelry was found hidden in one of the vehicles coming to the Kingdom via the port,” Customs Director General Abdulrahman Al-Muhanna said.

He said that the suspects presented a package which customs officers thought as ordinary and nothing irregular about it.

“But on following the usual customs procedures, the inspectors found 1,031 pieces of jewels and gems,” Al-Muhanna said.

He said the jewels weighed a total of 14.37 kilograms: the gold set weighing 9.92 kg, the diamonds 2.88 kg and the pearls 1.57 kg.

The jewelry, found in the rear seats of the vehicle, were seized and the suspects arrested.

“The suspects tried to smuggle the jewelry to avoid paying customs duty,” he said.

He added that the law on money laundering provides that all passengers, whether departing or coming to the Kingdom with jewelry in their possession, or cash exceeding SR60,000, must fill out a customs declaration form.

“If they fail to do this, they are liable for punishment,” he said.

Earlier, Saudi customs officers foiled an attempt to smuggle alcohol into the Kingdom in Pepsi cans.

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