WDC RESPONDS TO U.S. IMMIGRATION AND CUSTOMS ENFORCEMENT ANNOUNCEMENT OF SEIZURE OF SMUGGLED DIAMONDS

(New York, NY) – February 9, 2007 – The arrests that took place in Arizona provide great evidence that we are making progress and the Kimberley Process is having an impact on stopping the illegal smuggling of diamonds. The United States has laws in place to prosecute anyone who smuggles a diamond across an international border without the proper documentation. The World Diamond Council supports and applauds every effort to enforce as well as strengthen systems and laws to stop all illegal diamond trade activity.