China's Supreme People's Court on Thursday announced that anyone found smuggling more than ten 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, people who smuggle between five and ten conventional less-than-60-millimeter 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.

People who smuggle more than one unconventional shell in or out of the country, or 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 shall be given life imprisonment or death penalty in line with Article 151 of the Criminal Law.

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

Editor: Donald