(Ecofin Agency) - On December 15, 2015, $1.2 million worth of tanzanite were impounded at the Kilimanjaro International Airport as they were being sent to India. Since the adoption of the Law on mining and its implementation in 2012, this is the 87^th attempt of trafficking that has been stopped.

An official report published by Tanzanian authorities reveals that in four years, the border police seized 2,870kg of tanzanite worth $9.4 million.

Each year, the state loses, in average, $2.7 million to gem trafficking despite the heavy penalties provided by law to prevent it.

Only country to produce tanzanite, Tanzania has experienced a growth in trafficking since it implemented the legislation on mining which prohibits the export, of any kind, of raw tanzanite. The main aim here was to promote the local processing industry for the commodity, generate jobs and boost its value.

Stéphanie C. Tohon