C.B.P.News Release

1,200 Carats of Possible 'Blood Diamonds' Seized at JFK

(Monday, April 13, 2009)

Jamaica, N.Y. - On Saturday, Customs and Border Protection officers at JFK International Airport seized almost 1,200 carats in diamonds. The 28 rough diamonds originated from Sierra Leone and were seized because they did not have Kimberley Certificates which are required by the Clean Diamond Trade Act.

The diamonds were destined for Brentwood N.Y. and had a declared value of more then $800,000.

Two U.S. jewelers, arriving from Sierra Leon via London, declared that they were transporting rough diamonds and 57 pounds of gold dust. The two U.S. citizens, whose names are being withheld for privacy reasons, were referred for a baggage exam to verify proper documentation for entry. Unset stones are generally duty free when imported from most countries; however, a formal entry must be filed on all commercial shipments valued over $2,500 and all required documents must be available for inspection.

CBP officers find 28 rough cut diamonds arriving with a passenger from Sierra Leone.

The two individuals were unable to produce the required Kimberly Certificates, and consequently their shipment of diamonds was seized. These individuals were released with their shipment of gold dust.

The Clean Diamond Trade Act, signed into law in 2003, was established to block the trade of Conflict Diamonds, also known as “Blood Diamonds.â€