Individuals involved in the illegal sale of tobacco products valued at approximately 37 million soums were apprehended

The Zangiota district department, in collaboration with the tax inspectorate, swiftly conducted an operation, revealing two individuals engaged in the unlawful sale of tobacco to generate income.

These individuals were apprehended without proper documentation while selling 2,200 boxes of three different types of duty-free tobacco products, namely "Esse change," "Oris," and "Milano," to another individual for 36,700,000 soums. Additionally, 5,190 boxes of duty-free tobacco products were confiscated as physical evidence.

A criminal case has been initiated under Article 186-1 of the Criminal Code (illegal production or circulation of ethyl alcohol, alcoholic products, and tobacco products) in connection with this incident, and investigative efforts are underway.

It is worth noting that in the first half of 2023, customs authorities intercepted the illegal sale of 1,610,000 packs of cigarettes valued at 37.5 billion soums in 155 cases of violations.

Criminal cases were initiated by customs authorities in 53 instances related to these violations, while administrative cases were forwarded to courts for consideration in 90 instances.

It should be recalled that earlier, several cases involving attempts to produce and distribute alcohol products were uncovered.