Imported medicines worth 5.3 billion soums intercepted in Uzbekistan (video)

Medicines worth 5.3 billion soums, illegally imported from Russia and Kazakhstan, have been intercepted by law enforcement authorities. This was reported by the State Security Service of Uzbekistan.

According to the report, two GAZ trucks loaded with goods from Russia and Kazakhstan entered Uzbekistan through the "Yallama" border customs post in the Tashkent region, using the "red lane" designated for cargo requiring inspection. The trucks, en route to limited liability companies operating in Uzbekistan, were directed to a designated customs post under the escort of a customs officer for a full inspection.

However, during transit, the customs officer abandoned the vehicles, allowing them to proceed unsupervised. Taking advantage of the situation, the drivers diverted the trucks to the residence of a citizen born in 1966 in the Yukori Chirchik district.

There, a total of 52,459 units of medicine—comprising 214 types, including "Actovegin," "Clexane," and "Remaxol"—were unloaded into the residence without breaking the customs seals. The drugs had been concealed among books, accessories, and clothing, and lacked proper documentation. The seizure was carried out by officers of the State Customs Service and the Internal Security Department of the Customs Committee.

The total estimated value of the confiscated drugs, which were not quality-certified, was 5.3 billion soums.

A preliminary investigation revealed that an unidentified citizen of Kazakhstan promised the truck drivers \$2,000 in exchange for transporting the goods across the border.

A criminal case has been opened under Article 182, Part 2, Clause “a” of the Criminal Code (Violation of Customs Legislation) against the truck drivers and the homeowner in the Yukori Chirchik district.

Additionally, an investigation is underway to determine legal accountability for the customs inspector at the “Yallama” border post, whose negligence allowed the illegal shipment to be diverted.

It is worth noting that earlier, a citizen entering the Tashkent region through the “Navoi” customs post was caught attempting to smuggle 100 pills hidden in his waistband.