Khaberni - Russian Customs forces at the "Domodedovo" airport in Moscow were able to detain a foreign citizen who attempted to smuggle a piece of meteorite to Dubai.
A statement from the Russian Federal Customs Authority said: "The customs at Domodedovo airport in Moscow detained a foreign citizen attempting to smuggle a piece of the Dronino meteorite to Dubai. The man, aged 32, tried to transport the valuable piece after hiding it among his personal belongings. During a random passenger inspection in the airport's green corridor, customs inspectors found two pieces of mineral rock in the passenger’s suitcase: an unpolished piece weighing 250 grams, and another polished on three sides weighing 2.75 kg. The man indicated that a friend had given him these two pieces, claiming ignorance of the customs laws enforced in Russia."
Technical expertise results showed that the unpolished piece found with the traveler is part of the iron "Dronino" meteorite that fell to Earth as a result of a meteor shower. According to experts, the second piece is of no value.
Two administrative cases were opened against the man under the first clause of Article 16.2 of the Administrative Offenses Law of the Russian Federation (failure to declare goods), and Article 16.3 of the Administrative Offenses Law of the Russian Federation (violation of bans and restrictions), with the prescribed penalties including a fine and possible confiscation of the goods.
