Ports all operate substantial security to prevent contraband or prohibited technology from leaving Japan or to prevent weapons or terrorists from entering. However, a hole exsists in the transport route through the Northern Islands. This became known as the Etorufu Route —a smuggling passage connecting Japan with Eastern Russia. Anything illegal in Japan owes its existence to this security gap. Most of the Smuggling is controlled through Bertarve and estimates indicate the money that passes through this city measures in the millions.