HARARE - A Chinese national who attempted to smuggle $9 000 worth of diamonds has appeared before a Harare magistrate.

Li Bo, 58, who is employed by Zimbabwe Shuangfeng, was nabbed on November 5, this year at the Harare International Airport where he intended to board an Ethiopian Airways en route to China.

The court heard Li Bo attempted to smuggle two pieces of polished diamonds weighing 1,01 and 0,71 carats respectively.

Prosecutor Nyikadzino Machingura told the court Li Bo did not declare his intention to export the minerals to Minerals Marketing Corporation of Zimbabwe (MMCZ), which is the responsible authority.

The court heard Li Bo was arrested after his luggage went through a scanning machine at the airport and an immigration official discovered that it contained a suspicious substance.

According to state papers, two pieces of diamonds were found in the luggage.

It is alleged Li Bo failed to produce documents from MMCZ authorising the export of the stones.

The court heard the diamonds are valued at $9 200.

According to state papers, Li Bo had no right to export diamonds without authority from MMCZ.