Grandmother and grandson smuggling jewelry worth 5.6 billion sums hidden in their underwear were caught

An attempt to illegally smuggle a large quantity of valuable jewelry into Uzbekistan was thwarted at the Malik border crossing between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, according to the State Customs Committee.

During a personal inspection conducted with impartial officers present, a citizen crossing the border was found to have concealed 19 packages in the upper part of their legs under their underwear. Upon opening these packages, authorities discovered 468 pieces of jewelry made from nine types of precious metals, adorned with diamond stones.

A further inspection revealed that the individual’s 14-year-old grandson was also hiding jewelry. Officers found 12 packages hidden in the boy’s underwear, containing 454 pieces of jewelry crafted from eight types of precious metals.

Altogether, 922 pieces of diamond-studded jewelry were recovered, with a combined weight exceeding 6.7 kilograms and an estimated value of 5.6 billion sums.

For reference, individuals are allowed to import jewelry made of precious metals and gemstones weighing up to 65 grams into Uzbekistan without incurring duties.

Previously, officials uncovered another smuggling attempt in Tashkent region, where jewelry worth 1.77 billion sums was brought illegally into the country by bus.