1.   State Department officials described the case on Tuesday night as a successful example of American efforts to halt international smuggling.

2.   But now the government is launching a drive to protect its treasures after an embarrassing probe found state workers were part of an international smuggling ring.

3.   The petition comes days after the Guyanese government discovered what it thinks is an international gold smuggling ring between the U.S. and Guyana.

4.   It also came after top Russian and German intelligence chiefs agreed to step up cooperation to prevent international smuggling of weapons-grade nuclear materials.

5.   It also came two days after top Russian and German intelligence chiefs agreed to step up cooperation to prevent international smuggling of weapons-grade nuclear materials.

6.   One Belgian and five Dutch nationals have been arrested in a cross-border operation to stop the international smuggling of banned livestock hormones, legal sources said Tuesday.