The Supreme People's Court announced yesterday that anyone found smuggling more than 10 artillery shells across the country's borders would receive the death penalty or life imprisonment.

According to a judicial interpretation of the Criminal Law on smuggling cases issued by the court, those who smuggle between five and 10 less-than-60-millimeter conventional shells or grenades across the border or no more than five more-than-60-millimeter conventional shells will face over seven years in prison and a fine or confiscation of property.

Those who smuggle more than one unconventional shell in or out of the country, more conventional artillery shells or grenades than the numbers detailed above will be adjudged to be committing smuggling offences of "an extraordinarily serious nature" and be given life imprisonment or the death penalty in line with Article 151 of the Criminal Law.

People who smuggle fewer than five less-than-60-millimeter conventional shells will face a prison sentence of between three and seven years and a fine.

(Xinhua News Agency November 17, 2006)