Mizzima News (www.mizzima.com)

Ruili, 12 November 2003

In-Gyin fossils, which are mainly found in Myin Kyan and Nathogyi in central Burma, are being illegally traded at a brisk rate in the Chinese border towns of Kyegauk and Ruili (Shwelee). In-Gyins are fossils produced by ancient trees that have been buried under the ground for many years and are now found in the form of fossilized stone.

The In-Gyin fossils are bought by Chinese traders from the local people for a cheap price and are transported by trucks to the northern border. Throughout the journey the traders bribe authorities to let them pass. The greatest amount of money that the traders have to spend during the entire process is for the bribing of these authorities, with the highest rates going to the border trade department, police and intelligence officers. In spite of the costs involved, the traders are reported to be making high profits from this smuggling of fossils.

According to a Burmese trader, a ton of poor quality In-Gyin fossils can be bought for between 10000 Kyats to 20000 Kyats inside Burma and is later sold
for between 150000 Kyats to 200000 Kyats in China.

There are two types of In-Gyin fossils. 'Dry' In-Gyin fossils that were formed from vegetation that grew on land and 'wet' In-Gyin fossils, which have been created by plants that grew in water. The 'dry' In-Gyin fossils are in higher demand and fetch a higher price than the 'wet' ones. The fossils also differ in sizes and exhibit a range of colours such as yellow, white, red, black and green.

According to a trader, the retail price of the fossils in the border towns is usually between 10 Yuans to 100 Yuans a kilogram although it can reach as high as 200 Yuans per kilo. The fossils are then transported to Shanghai, Beijing and other large cities in China. Many of the fossils are then turned into statues and sold for high prices.