▲ A North Korea border gaurd smuggled something to a Chinese trader in the Yalu River. ⓒ the DailyNK

Golden statues of Buddha and ancient Korean pottery were stolen from Haeju Historical Museum in Haeju, South Hwanghae, on the 11th, creating havoc in the area.

North Korean authorities are currently investigating ways to monitor the smuggling routes known in the border region of Dandung, Shinuiju to prohibit these artifacts from being exported to China. Consequently, even small-scale illegal deals normally made along the Yalu River are being affected.

Through an inside source in North Korea and confirmation by a correspondent, the DailyNK discovered that artifacts from the Haeju Museum had been stolen on the night of 11th by an outside thief and that special orders had been made, involving the National Security Agency to conduct investigations along the border regions.

Another source from Shinuiju directly called the DailyNK on the 17th and said, “Agents from the National Security Agency and National Safety Agency in Haeju are in mayhem as they try to find the person who came out from Kaesong and then (assumingly) stole golden statues of Buddha and ancient Korean pottery from the Haeju Historical Museum.”

The source said, “(North Korean) Tradesmen who smuggle antiques in Shinuiju are saying nothing and keeping a low profile… things will only quieten down once the criminal is caught.” The source added, “As the smuggling routes along the Yalu River are also being carefully watched, small-scale trade is on the decrease as smuggling of daily goods and cigarettes are also affected.”

Even until the 17th, there has been no news of the thief’s capture, according to the source. Rather, as control is further reinforced, it seems that the goods stolen were of significant value.