11.   By destroying guns in a similar manner, officials hope to curb the smuggling rings that bring weapons from neighboring countries like Somalia.

12.   Earlier this week, Kociu was dismissed, reportedly as a result of the political controversy surrounding the smuggling rings.

13.   Five Americans pleaded guilty Wednesday to fraud charges in connection with the smuggling ring.

14.   He said he also has helped some Chinese youngsters detained after authorities busted a smuggling ring near Guam recently.

15.   He was the coyote, the kingpin of the smuggling ring.

16.   In China, the smuggling rings are believed to center around Fujian province, a coastal region with a long history of sending immigrants around the world.

17.   Last December, U.S. and Canadian officials used a sting operation to crack an illegal human smuggling ring operating there.

18.   Last year the Czech government quietly expelled an Afghan diplomat representing the Northern Alliance for involvement in the smuggling ring.

19.   More arrests are expected in connection with a larger smuggling ring tied to the case.

20.   Most experts agree that Italy has made significant strides in recent years in policing its own archaeological sites and tracking down local smuggling rings.