The SSU disrupted illegal movement of osmium, a rare metal, across the state border of Ukraine.

Officers of the SSU Office in Kherson region established that two Ukrainian citizens were attempting to smuggle osmium to a neighboring country.

The law enforcement exposed the offenders during customs inspection at Kuchurgan-Pervomaisk international checkpoint. 10.05 grams of this rare metal were found in their hand luggage.

The substance seized was osmium 187, one of the most expensive of precious metals. Its market price can be as high as USD 200,000 per gram.

At present, the investigators are preparing notice of suspicion of an offence under Article 201 (smuggling) of the CCU.

The SSU initiated an examination to establish all the facts of the case. Investigation is underway.

The SSU Office in Kherson region carried out the operation jointly with the SSU Office in Odessa region under the supervision of Kherson Regional Prosecutor’s Office.

Osmium is one of the most expensive precious metals. Its value is 30 times as much as the value of gold.