Death penalty for weapons smugglers

BEIJING, Nov. 16 (UPI) -- Anyone caught smuggling more than 10 artillery shells across China's borders can now be sentenced to death or life in prison.

Under new interpretation of laws announced by the country's high court, those who smuggle 5-10 conventional shells smaller than 60 millimeters or grenades will face more than seven years in prison and a fine or confiscation of property, the official Xinhua news agency reported.

The death or life sentence will be given to those who are convicted of committing smuggling offences of "an extraordinarily serious nature."