DUSHANBE , May 18, Asia-Plus -- Customs officers of the Russian republic of Mordovia seized 219 contraband Tajik carpets on May 17, the “Regions” news agency reported. 

According to the news agency, the carpets were found in a 20-ton container of a woman who has moved to Mordovia from Tajikistan for permanent residency.   The carpets have not been entered to the declaration.  Asked about them, she said that persons that had purchased her house in Tajikistan had paid for the house in those carpets.  According to her, she was allegedly not going to realize them in Mordovia.  An investigation is under way.  

The customs officers say the woman faces contraband charge and if convicted, she could face up to five years in prison.