TORONTO - A gemologist from Toronto has been charged with smuggling rough diamonds into Canada.
Officers from the RCMP and the Canada Border Services Agency arrested Donald MacKay, 58, on Wednesday at Toronto's Pearson International Airport.
Police allege MacKay hid the diamonds in other items to avoid paying duties and taxes.
Police also allege he tried to get around an international agreement to ensure trade in rough diamonds doesn't fund violence.
Canada is one of 74 signatory countries to the Kimberley Process.
MacKay was charged with smuggling contrary to the Customs Act and importing rough diamonds without the proper certificate contrary to the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act.
