Woburn PD Gets $520K For Foiling Gold Smuggling Plot

WOBURN, Mass. (AP) — The Woburn police department is getting more than $520,000 for helping federal officials foil an attempt by a Boston-area dealer of precious metals to smuggle large quantities of gold and cash into the United States from Canada.

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement's Homeland Security Investigations says Woburn police are receiving the money for their assistance in the criminal investigation of Zohrab Sarkissian.

Federal officials say the money is part of funds obtained when Sarkissian agreed in July 2011 to withdraw his claim to 15 gold bars, more than $13,000 in cash, a luxury sedan and other valuable metal. Authorities say Sarkissian attempted to smuggle the gold and cash through the port of entry in High Gate Spring, Vt. in August 2010.

The remaining funds will go to federal coffers.

Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.