Members of the National Bolivarian Guard (GNB) participate in an operation in the Cota 905 sector, in Caracas, Venezuela, July 13, 2015. (Xinhua/Str)
"Gold-smuggling causes very serious damage to the national economy... it is an strategic mineral used as monetary reserve and which is used on international transactions," he said.
CARACAS, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- Venezuelan authorities seized a gold-smuggling group which sneaked the precious metal to the Dominican Republic, Prosecutor General Tarek William Saab said on Friday.
"Gold-smuggling causes very serious damage to the national economy... it is an strategic mineral used as monetary reserve and which is used on international transactions," he said.
"Those who smuggle gold become public enemies of Venezuela's economy," Saab added.
An arrest warrant has been issued for Roberto Espejo Camacho, who led the criminal organization.
Gold was also taken to other Caribbean islands.
As a result of the investigation, seven search warrants were issued, as well as the seizure of four private aircraft.
