a worldwide operation of smuggling chlorofluorocarbons (cfcs) and other ozone-eating chemicals in Europe and North America is undermining efforts to heal the ozone layer, claimed British environment minister John Gummer at a recent seminar in London. Identifying the Russian mafia as the main source of illegal cfcs, he said, "Those who smuggle this kind of contraband, kill people and threaten children's lives. They are in the same league as drug smugglers.

Industrialised countries had agreed to end production of cfcs, which are still widely used in air-conditioning systems and refrigeration plants for domestic use, by January 1996. But Russia failed to meet the deadline and, according to the United Nations Environment Programme (unep), is still running seven factories with a combined 1996 production quota of 52,700 tonne