ArmenPress
Aug 20 2004

SMUGGLING OF CATTLE STAVED OFF ON ARMENIAN-TURKISH BORDER

GIUMRI, AUGUST 20, ARMENPRESS: On August 19, border guards staved
off attempted violation of Armenian-Turkish border and smuggling of
cattle to Turkey on Verin Shen border line in Shirak region. Three
citizens of Armenian origin have been detained trying to smuggle
about thirty cattle to Turkey. The border headquarters in Giumri
handed over the violators to Armenian interior affairs regional
department. A criminal case is initiated into the case.
Illegal smuggling of cattle from Armenia to Turkey have increased
due to rise of meat prices in the neighboring country. The latest
case was reported in July in Zarishat border zone. Investigation is
under way into the case. During the seven months of the running year,
54 cases of border violations have been reported with total goods of
350,000 Russian rubbles confiscated, including cattle mainly.
According to border guard headquarters, mostly Armenian, Turk and
Kurd criminal groups are engaged in smuggling on the border lines.